ANGING IN FRANCE 
^ithlLASH and SOUND 




Class 
Book_ 
CopyriglitN^. 



7 



» ji 



rOPmiGHT DEPOSm 



RANGING IN FRANCE 
WITH FLASH AND SOUND 



RANGING IN FRANCE 
WITH FLASH and SOUND 



BY 

SERGEANT JESSE R. HINMAN 



An Official History of the 

Second Battalion 29th Engineers in France 

During the World War 



PRESS OP DUNHAM PRINTING COMPANY 
PORTLAND, OREGON 






'4^ 



Copyright, 1919, 
By Jesse R. Hinman 



M 23 lyi9 

(S)CI.A5a0i87 




MAJOR THEODORE LYMAN 

COMMANDER SECOND BATTALION, 29TH ENGINEERS, LATER FIRST 
BATTALION, 74TH ENGINEERS 



TO OUR MAJOR 

THEODORE LYMAN 

AND 

THOSE AMERICANS WHO MADE 

THE SUPREME SACRIFICE 

THAT THIS MIGHT BE A BETTER WORLD 

THIS NARRATIVE IS REVERENTLY DEDICATED 



COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION 

Lieutenant Walter E. Roberts. 

Lieutenant Bela Hubbard. 

Sergeant First Class Carrol R. Benton. 

Sergeant First Class Constantine Castruccio. 

Sergeant First Class John H. Eraser. 

Sergeant First Class Herbert H. Brecht. 

Sergeant First Class George B. Howe. 

Sergeant First Class Sanford P. Wicks. 

Sergeant First Class Howard F. Colt. 

Sergeant E. B. Stookey. 

Sergeant Charles Altfillisch. 

Corporal C. O. Boswell. 

Private First Class E. E. Beaver. 

Private First Class James P. Kelly. 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER 

INTRODUCTION .... 

I AT FORT DE ST. MENGE 
II IN THE SHADOW OF MONT SEC . 
Ill SEICHEPREY AND XIVRAY . 
IV CHATEAU-THIERRY 
V WITH S. R. S. NO. 2 
VI THE STORY OF S. R. S. NO. 3 
VII THE ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE 
VIII IN LORRAINE WITH F. R. S. NO. 2 
IX IN THE ARGONNE .... 
X F. R. S. NO. 3 TAKES THE FIELD 
XI F. R. S. NO. 4 IS ORGANIZED 
XII S. R. S. NO. 4 IN ACTION 

XIII THE CLOSE OF THE WAR 

XIV HOMEWARD BOUND 



PAGE 
13 
17 
29 
53 
77 
99 
123 
137 
157 
186 
199 
207 
213 
223 
234 



APPENDIX 

BARDS OF THE FLASH AND SOUND 

TO FRANCE WITH PERSHING 
BATTALION ROSTER 



239 
250 
255 



vii 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

MAJOR THEODORE LYMAN .... Frontispiece 

PAGE 

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE FIRST BATTALION, 74TH 

(FORMERLY 29TH) ENGINEERS .... 12 

SCENES AT FORT DE ST. MENGE .... 16 

DIAGRAM OF A SOUND RANGING BASE ... 28 

OBSERVATION POSTS IN S. R. S. NO. 3— SCENES IN 

MANDRES, SOUND RANGING HEADQUARTERS . 32 

STRINGING A LINE TO OBSERVATION POST AT XIVRAY 40 

THE RUINS AT XIVRAY— WHAT REMAINED OF THE 

RAILROAD BEHIND MONT SEC 48 

THE VILLAGE OF SEICHEPREY, WHERE THE AMERI- 
CANS FIRST MET THE HUNS 52 

THE VILLAGE OF RAMBUECOURT AND LINESMEN'S 
DUGOUT— SCENES AT ST. BENOIT AND BENEY 
AFTER THE ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE ... 64 

THE VILLAGE OF VAUX— CHATEAU-THIERRY AND 

THE BRIDGE ACROSS THE MARNE .... 80 

THE FAMOUS BELLEAU WOODS, WHERE THE MARINES 

STOPPED THE GERMANS 96 

BRUSSEY AND BUCONVILLE 112 

SCENES IN BERNECOURT AND NOVIANT . . .122 

RUINS OF FLIREY AND LIMEY 128 

THE CULINARY DEPARTMENT — "COOTIES" — BERNE- 
COURT AND SAMPIGNY 132 



IX 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

ILLLUSTRATION SHOWING THE ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 

AND AMERICAN OFFENSIVE 136 

MONT SEC (OR HILL 380)— THE LORRAINE TRENCHES 144 

FRENCH ARMIES ENTERING METZ AND STRASBOURG 160 

FAC-SIMILE OF GERMAN PROPAGANDA . . .163 

RUINS AT ST. AGNAUT — SCENES IN ST. MAURICE 

BEFORE THE WAR 176 

THE STATUE OF THE FORMER KAISER IN THE 

CATHEDRAL AT METZ 186 

AN OBSERVATION POST IN BEAUMONT ^ HATTON- 

VILLE AND ST. MAURICE 192 

GERMAN TROOPS IN LORRAINE — PONT- A-MOUSSON 

ON THE MOSELLE RIVER 200 

IN THE ANCIENT CITY OF LANGRES — TOUL AND 

NANCY 224 

THE NANSEMOND — "THE SHIP THAT BROUGHT US 

HOME" 236 



RANGING IN FRANCE 
WITH FLASH AND SOUND 



HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION, 

74th ENGINEERS 

(Formerly Second Battalion, 29tli Engineers.) 

GENERAL ORDERS 

No. 1 A. P. O., 767, January 18, 1919. 

EXTRACT 

Paragraph 1. The following letter will be read to the men 
of each Company by the Company Commander at retreat, Mon- 
day, January 19, 1919: 

"The work of your Battalion in France is done, and well 
done. You have been engaged in activities entirely new to the 
service and have not only overcome the attendant difficulties but 
also have set high standards for a future service and won 
unstinted praise from those with whom your work lay. 

"The technical supply depot was ably managed and it is due 
to the conscientious, intelligent and resourceful work of the per- 
sonnel of this depot that supplies never failed and the sections 
were able to maintain their high record of efficiency. 

"The school was planned and operated in a thorough and sat- 
isfactory manner. It not only provided the ground work of the 
instruction, without which the sections could not have func- 
tioned, but it served a most useful end in familiarizing the Staff, 
Artillery, and other departments with the possibilities of the 
Ranging Service. 

"The officers and soldiers of the 74th Engineers in the field 
have earned for the organization a most enviable reputation — a 
reputation based both on their performance as technical troops 
and as soldiers. Their conduct under shell-fire on the American, 
British and French fronts has been all that is expected of the 
highest type of American soldier. Also, in the more trying 
routine of camp and billet life, they, by their good discipline, 
cheerful acceptance of existing and necessary conditions, and 
intelligent willingness to work, made the most of their conditions 
and achieved results. 

"It is a pleasure to me personally to have been associated 
with the officers and soldiers of the 74th Engineers and I desire 
to express to them through you my appreciation for their loyal 
support. 

"(Signed) H. G. ALEXANDER, 

"Colonel, General Staff. 
"By order of MAJOR LYMAN. 
"FRANK J. TWYNHAM, 

"First Lieutenant, Engrs., U. S. R., Adjutant." 



XII 



INTRODUCTION 

During the struggle which has just closed a vast 
number of new methods and appliances have been 
added to the machinery of war, these innovations in- 
volving in some cases the organization of special troops 
with functions entirely new to our army. The Flash 
and Sound detachments, whose achievements are re- 
corded in these pages, belong to the list of such troops ; 
the nature of their work may be briefly described as 
follows : 

The Flash Ranger is concerned with the location 
of the enemy guns and also with collecting general 
information as to the movements of hostile forces. 
Under some circumstances the second of these duties 
becomes quite as important as the first. The theory of 
the methods employed is very simple, but the practice 
is difficult. For each section four or five observation 
posts are used, their position on the map being accu- 
rately known. These posts are provided with an 
instrument for determining the bearing of any object 
with respect to a known reference point; all posts are 
connected by telephone with the central station. On 
a plotting board at central the position of the posts are 
marked ; by a simple arrangement of scales and strings 
the observers' readings are reproduced on the board, 
the intersection of the strings giving the position of 
the object under examination. 

In the case of gun location, the observers seek to set 
simultaneously on the flash of the piece, the operation 
is aided by a system of signals from the posts to central, 

xiii 



14 RANGING IN FRANCE 

but at bottom its success depends on the quickness, 
accuracy and experience of the personnel. 

Flash Ranging, or Ground Observation as it should 
be called, is a most important servant not only of the 
Artillery, but also of the Intelligence Service. Because 
of its simplicity and mobility it is employed both in 
trench and in open warfare. 

The chief object of Sound Ranging is to locate the 
position of hostile guns ; it employs delicate and rather 
complex instruments and requires a personnel possess- 
ing a considerable degree of technical knowledge. Six 
microphones, placed at known positions, detect the 
sound from the gun and transmit a signal to a chrono- 
graph which records the exact moment at which the 
report of the piece reached the microphone. The method 
of locating the gun involves the differences in time at 
which the sound reaches the detecting instruments. 
These differences in time being taken from the chrono- 
graph, they are plotted on a board so constructed that 
the intersection of strings gives the position of the 
piece. In the computation corrections are made for 
the directions and velocity of the wind and for the 
temperature. 

It must not be imagined that the processes involved 
are purely mechanical; to insure the proper operation 
of the apparatus and to obtain information as to the 
calibre and direction of fire of the enemy's artillery, 
observers are posted well in advance of the micro- 
phones, often in the front-line trenches. Much depends 
on their experience and coolness. Moreover, to main- 
tain the complex system of electric circuits, running 
as they must through shelled areas, is no easy or safe 
task. 

With a skillful personnel and under favorable condi- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 15 

tion Sound Ranging gives very accurate results and has 
rendered most valuable service ; its chief use, however, 
is instable or semi-stable warfare. 

The formation of a new service naturally requires 
a considerable amount of preliminary investigation and 
study. Soon after the arrival of General Pershing in 
France, therefore, Major R. G. Alexander (now 
Colonel) was instructed to investigate the methods of 
Flash and Sound Ranging in use by the French and 
British. About the same time the Adjutant General 
in the United States appointed Major Augustus Trow- 
bridge (now Colonel), Captain Theodore Lyman (now 
Major) and Lieutenant Norman R. French (now Cap- 
tain), of the Signal Corps, to take up the study of 
Flash and Sound Ranging and carry on the work in 
the A. E. F. Upon their arrival in France it became 
necessary for them to be transferred to the Engineers 
before assuming their duties. 

As a first step in the investigation, Major Alex- 
ander ordered seven of the engineers of the 1st Divi- 
sion, who came to France with General Pershing, to 
report to the chief of the French Sound Ranging School 
at St. Cloud, near Paris. Of this number. Sergeant 
T. W. Smith (now Lieutenant) and Corporal C. R. 
Keital (now Sergeant) qualified and later were sent 
to the British and French Armies for further instruc- 
tion. The above-mentioned non-commissioned officers 
had been at the school but a few days when an Ameri- 
can civilian arrived there. A few days later he ap- 
peared as a First Lieutenant in the Engineers Corps. 
He was Lieutenant Charles B. Bazzoni, who later spent 
some time on the British and French fronts, where 
he studied the methods of Flash and Sound Ranging. 
Upon his return from the British front. Lieutenant 



RANGING IN FRANCE 

Bazzoni submitted his report to the General Staff. It 
was upon the strength of this report and that of Colonel 
Trowbridge that the Bull-Tucker system, as the English 
is known, was adopted. 

In November, 1917, Lieutenants B. A. Ross and 
J. D. Wright were sent to the British front to study- 
Flash Ranging. In December, Lieutenant Dow fol- 
lowed on a similar mission. 

During the first week in January, Captain Lyman 
and Lieutenant Bazzoni opened a school in Flash and 
Sound Ranging at Fort de St. Menge, near Langres, 
where they were joined on the 21st of the month by 
Lieutenant Ross. Company B, 29th Engineers, was 
organized at Camp Devons late in the fall of 1917, to 
take up the work of Flash and Sound Ranging, but 
being delayed in getting to France, a class of 40 men 
were taken from the 116th Engineers, of the 41st 
Division. 

When hostilities ceased on November 11, 1918, 
four Flash and four Sound Ranging Sections were in 
operation on the American front. Flash and Sound 
Rangers during the last eight months of the war were 
in active service at almost every point on the Allied 
front, from Chateau-Thierry to Pont-a-Mousson, and 
one of the Flash Ranging Sections participated in every 
offensive against the enemy during that critical period 
in the world^s history. 




FORT DE ST. MENGE FROM THE FOOT OF THE HILL NEAR 
THE MARNE CANAL 




THE COMPANY STREET WITHIN THE WALLS OF FORT 
DE ST. MENGE 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 17 



CHAPTER I. 

AT FORT de ST. MENGE 

"Squads right. March/' 

The command was given by Captain Theodore 
Lyman at Turenne Barracks, near Langres, at 1 
o'clock on the memorable afternoon of January 5, 1918. 
The detachment from the 116th Engineers destined to 
form the first class in Flash and Sound Ranging, as 
taught by the American Army, marched across the 
snow-covered parade grounds towards the headquarters 
of the Marne, the location of Fort de St. Menge, where 
the noted school was later established. 

The distance to the fort is nine kilometers. It was 
3:30 o'clock when the detachment reached the top of 
the hill and the iron gates of the main entrance of the 
underground fortification. It had been anything but 
easy "hiking," with full packs, along the snow-covered 
road, and from Humes, the typical little French village 
with its picturesque tile-roofed houses, the trail was 
practically unbroken. 

Captain Lyman swung open the gate, and the tired 
but interested detachment trudged across the draw- 
bridge spanning the ancient moat which encircled the 
fort. Captain Lyman led the men down the narrow 
passageway to a street running at right angles, upon 
which the living quarters open. The quarters are case- 
ments, arched and facing the company street on either 
side. And the men read "52 Hommes.'' 

Halting the detachment in front of No. 17, Captain 
Lyman dismissed it and Sergeant Monahan, acting 



18 RANGING IN FRANCE 

First Sergeant, pushed open the creaking doors of the 
casement and each man took possession of a bunk. 
Fort de St. Menge, which, before the close of the war, 
was to become the headquarters for so many units of 
the U. S. Army and military schools was open to 
American troops for the first time in its history. 

The personnel of this detachment follows: Ser- 
geants S. E. Monahan and George Brewster; Privates 
J. P. Micheals, Harry Oreding, Herbert Sessions, T. S. 
Schies, Samuel Engholm, Jesse R. Hinman, Donald 
Campbell, Eyler Brown, Everett Taylor, Pierre Weiss, 
Claude Harreschou, Herchel L. Driver, T. E. Miller, 
Walter E. Roberts, Ray Fordyce, Joseph Cotton, A. B. 
Chambers, George Sheeran, A. J. Breshears, H. R. 
Breshears, John D. Selby, E. B. Stookey, Eugene Mc- 
Graw, Floyd N. Knave, G. C. Boswell, C. J. Ratzclaff, 
Arthur Hansen, C. M. Castruccio, A. L. Baldwin, Chas. 
Hinton, Bert Schroeder, Ronald F. Rose, Verne Mor- 
gan, Ambrose Brownell, John H. Hartley, Chester 
Reese, Harry Phillips and F. R. Stebbins. 

Fort de St. Menge had not been occupied by the 
French since the first year of the war, and it was 
quite evident that much must be done before the place 
could be made inhabitable. The snow was knee deep 
in the narrow streets and tunnels. The casements 
were dusty and presented anything but an inviting 
appearance. 

But the craving of the innerman was the imperative 
factor to be considered, and soon the welcome command 
of "come and get it," emanating from the kitchen across 
the narrow street, advised the men that Cooks McGraw 
and Miller had prepared an appetizing stew for them, 
arrangements having been made earlier in the day for 
this very important part of the program. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 19 

Following the first mess at Fort de St. Menge, the 
first act of the detachment was to build a roaring fire 
in the old fire-place in the casement, around which all 
huddled, and numerous, indeed, were the predictions 
for the future as the present situation was discussed. 

The detachment that formed this first class com- 
prised 40 men from the 116th Engineers, 41st Division, 
which sailed from New York on November 26, 1917, 
arriving at St. Nazaire December 10. 

The detachment left the regiment at Lacourtine on 
the evening of Thursday, December 27, arriving at 
Turenne Barracks on the afternoon of December 29, 
where we were temporarily attached to Company A, 
of the 29th Engineers. The events that followed are 
best told by a member of the detachment : 

"Before leaving for the fort we were addressed by 
Captain Lyman and Lieutenant Bazzoni, who gave 
general descriptions of the work we were to take up 
at the school. The morning after our arrival at the 
fort we were up at 6:15, the first reveille. No bugle 
was available, but a few days later Captain Lyman 
procured a French bugle from some source unknown to 
us and Private Knave volunteered to blow the calls. 
We were thankful that we had had some military train- 
ing, for it enabled us to usually guess correctly the 
nature of the call. The first day was spent in policing 
quarters and fitting up an orderly room. Captain 
Lyman was in command, with Lieutenant Bazzoni, in- 
structor. And at this point in the narrative we deem 
it fitting that a tribute be paid these splendid officers, 
for there is every indication that the men at the school 
during those long and dreary weeks in January and 
February formed an attachment for these two officers 
that remained throughout the following months of the 



20 RANGING IN FRANCE 

war, and will continue when all are again in civilian 
garb. Captain Lyman's first thought appeared to be 
always for the care of the men in his command, a dom- 
inating trait which continued to exist when later he 
commanded a battalion of five full companies, instead 
of the first little group of 40. As an able, conscientious 
and patient instructor, there were few the equal and 
none the superior of Lieutenant Bazzoni. 

"How Captain Lyman and Lieutenant Bazzoni be- 
came associated with Flash and Sound Ranging and 
mention of their promotion has been told in the preface 
of this publication. 

'The historic fort which we now occupied was in 
existence before the Franco-Prussian War, the north 
end is in part, the ancient fort. The precipitous hill 
on which the fortification is constructed, divides the 
two approaches to Langres from the north, the greater 
of which is the Marne Valley. From the crest of the 
hill it would be possible to rake the surrounding country 
with gun fire. Every road approaching Langres is 
'covered.* The modern fort is named Ligniville, after 
a Frenchman of noble birth who was commander of the 
forces in that area. The fort was rebuilt in 1871-74. 
As we explored the fort we observed two definite 
stages of construction, two types of stone work. Many 
of the terraces for rifle fire are approached by tunnels 
and bulwarked by masonry, which appears much older 
than the finer work of the casements. 

*To properly explore the fort would require several 
days, and many rooms would probably not be visited. 
There are rooms at all elevations, from the gun rooms 
and lookouts on the crown of the fort to the powder 
magazines below the moat. The moat is dry, but ap- 
proximately 40 feet deep. The number of gun mounts 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 21 

are large and all reached by an ingenious underground 
passage of one type or another. The fort presents all 
secret passages and mystic chambers that the most 
romantic could desire. 

"One of the casements outside of the moat and to 
the left of the entrance of the fort, was selected as the 
location for the school. The apparatus having been in- 
stalled, Lieutenant Bazzoni gave us the first lecture, 
the date being January 8, and we were introduced to 
the hyperbola and asymptote. The weather continued 
disagreeable. During the night the snow would pile 
up in the company street and the men spent no little 
time in keeping it open. The weather moderated one 
day and the next morning we awoke to find the ceiling 
in the casement we occupied was not waterproof. We 
moved to the adjoining room. 

"The road leading from the fort to the hard surfaced 
highway became impassable, and trucks were unable 
to reach the top of the hill with rations. Our supply 
became exhausted. We fared on 'canned Willie' and 
hard tack for two days, and our situation then becom- 
ing desperate. Sergeant Brewster took a detail of 20 
men to the commissary at Rolampont, a distance of 
approximately four kilometers. The trail down the 
long hill was unbroken, and it was a weary party that 
made the trip back to the fort with the rations, 
which we carried on our backs. Four men plowed 
through the snow carrying a quarter of a beef, while 
the others were loaded down with bacon, bread, pota- 
toes, etc. This tided us over until the trucks could 
reach the fort. 

"It was about this time that Sergeant T. W. Smith 
and Corporal Kietel arrived at the fort to assist in in- 
structing the first class at the school. They had the 



22 RANGING IN FRANCE 

honor of coming to France with General Pershing 
in June and had spent several weeks on the British 
front, studying the science of Sound Ranging. 

'The detachment became intensely interested in the 
school work and a study room was fitted up on the 
opposite street from the quarters and many burned the 
'midnight oil/ In this case, however, it was 'candle- 
grease/ 

"On the afternoon of January 18, the first sack of 
mail arrived. It was our first news from home since 
we left in November. There were letters and pack- 
ages for all. 

"The school had been in progress but a short time 
when the detachment was divided into two groups — 
one to receive instruction in Flash Ranging and the 
other to specialize in Sound Ranging. On Monday, 
January 21, work was started on 'installing' the first 
base to be used by the school. The observation posts 
were constructed on the bluffs commanding the Marne. 
We spent several days at the work, which was not easy 
by any means, owing to the hard, rocky surface of the 
ground. One who has been fortunate enough to view 
the surrounding country from one of these points will 
never forget his impressions. The valleys are dotted 
with quaint little villages, the antiquated buildings with 
their red roofs blending beautifully with the green 
landscapes in the background. The highways winding 
like a thread in and out of the little towns, are plainly 
seen for many miles. 

"By February 1, three more officers had arrived 
and had been assigned as instructors in the school. 
They were Lieutenants W. G. Perry, Lloyd Heuling 
and L. D. Coles. Early in February another detach- 
ment of men, number 30 in all, arrived at the fort. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 23 

Twenty-three were from the 146th and 148th Machine 
Gun Companies, and the others from the 116th Engi- 
neers. It is safe to say that every man who spent the 
months of January and February at Fort de St. Menge 
will always have a fond recollection of those days. 
Many were the amusing incidents that occurred. No 
one has forgotten the memorable heating stove that 
stood in the center of the casement. Numerous were 
the occasions when, as a result of imbibing too freely 
of the wines of sunny France, one would decide that 
the stove pipe needed adjusting, and as a consequence, 
it would tumble to the floor. However, it would always 
be replaced before reveille. 

**It was Tuesday, February 19, that the detachment 
selected to go to the front was issued gas masks and 
given its first gas drill. Final preparations were now 
being made for getting the men ready for field work 
and February 25, five Flash Rangers, in charge of 
Lieutenant Wright (now Captain), left for the Toul 
sector to receive further training with the French 
Army. The men were: Sergeant Brewster and Pri- 
vates J. C. Baldwin, Joseph Cotton, A. B. Chambers 
and Chas. Hinton. On March 18, five more Flash 
Rangers left for the American front. They were: 
Sergeant George Howe and Privates J. C. Berry, A. L. 
Baldwin, C. Castruccio. 

"On March 8, five Sound Rangers left the fort to 
receive training at the British front. They were: 
Sergeant S. A. Monahan, Corporals John Fraser and 
Johnson and Privates Leach and Davis. 

'The first Sound Rangers to go to the American 
front left for Mandres to install the first section on 
March 10th. The officers were Lieutenants Bazzoni, 
Van Vechtan, McClanahan and Perry. The personnel 



24 RANGING IN FRANCE 

of the enlisted men follows: Sergeant T. W. Smith, 
Wagoner Russel and Privates Atchison, Boswell, 
A. J. Breshears, Eyler Brown, Brownell, Bridges, 
Campbell, Driver, Eckfield, Engholm, Fordyce, Hart- 
ley, Hall, Hinman, Hoist, Leo F. Kelly, Little, Meek, 
McGraw, Micheals, Nave, Oerding, Preston, Ratsclaff, 
Reece, Roberts, Sampson, Selby, Schies, Sheeran, Steb- 
bins, Smith, Stablein, Taylor, Sessions, Thomas, Weiss, 
Koering and Kursynske." 

Organization of Companies and Battalion 

Company B, destined to be the first Sound Rang- 
ing Company of the American Expeditionary Forces, 
left Camp Devens on October 28, 1917, for the port of 
embarkation, after many weary, expectant weeks of 
the usual cantonment life. The trip across the Atlantic 
was made on the steamship Calamares, a former coast- 
wise liner converted into a troop transport, and with 
this to be the mal-de-mar, and rumor of sighted U-boats 
in the distance, the trip was uneventful. The voyage 
was a miserable one, and will be indelibly written on 
the memories of those who sailed on her. The com- 
pany was in command of Captain Hodgeson. It was 
with a great sigh of relief and expectancy that we 
greeted the rocky coast of Brittany on a cold February 
morning, the first long step toward the Great Adven- 
ture. Three days were spent at Pont-a-Nezun Bar- 
racks, near Brest, after which the company was 
ordered to Langres, arriving in that city weary from 
our trip across the country. At Langres the company 
was divided, 90 men being transferred to Company A, 
of the Topographical and Printing Battalion. The 
other officers and men of the company marched out 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 25 

to Fort de St. Menge on the morning of March 6, and 
entered the Flash and Sound Ranging School. 

Company C was formed in January, 1918, at Camp -^^^^ "^1 ^^ 
Devens, Mass. The organization comprised men from 
forty states, Alaska and South America. Plans were 
made for departure to Europe early in April, but were 
countermanded and it was not until June 22 that they 
finally left the U. S. on the Italian ship, Rio d'ltalia. 
The troops landed at Brest, July 5, and spent four days 
at Pont-a-Nezun Barracks. From the latter place the 
company went to Langres, where the company was ix.v--^^^^'^ 
divided, a detachment going to Fort de St. Menge to "^^ ^ 
attend the Flash and Sound School, and the other men 
going to the First Battalion of the 29th. The men 
from the Flash and Sound School made their appear- 
ance on the Toul sector on August 18, and were sent to 
the various Flash and Sound Sections then operating 
there. Corporal Arthur Rock, who was killed by shell 
fire near Beney soon after the St. Mihiel drive, was a 
member of Company C. 

Company D was formed at Washington Barracks in 
June, 1918, but until arriving in France was known 
as Company F, 603rd Engineers. The company left 
Hoboken July 8, on the steamer Toloa, arriving at 
Brest 11 days later. From Brest the company was 
sent to Langres, where the men were given training 
similar to that received by the other companies. 

Company E was organized as Company D, 29th 
Engineers, at Camp Devens, March 29, 1918, and sent 
to Washington Barracks, May 27. The organization 
became Company F, 604th Engineers, on June 6. The 
company left for France, August 14. The organiza- 
tion became Company E, 29th Engineers, on September 
5, and was sent to Fort de St. Menge on September 14. 



26 RANGING IN FRANCE 

The company left for the front on October 17, forming 
F. R. S. 4 and S. K. S. 4. 

Company F, of the 29th Engineers, was organized 
at Washington Barracks in August, 1918, for the pur- 
pose of adding to the Flash and Sound Ranging forces, 
operating with the American Army in France. The 
company left the United States for foreign service, 
September 25, arriving at La Harve, via Liverpool, 
England, on October 11, and from that point by 
rail to Langres. Like the other organizations in 
the Battalion, Company E was divided between the 
Flash Ranging School at Fort de St. Menge and the 
Sound Ranging School, which had been moved to 
Faverolles. On the day that hostilities ceased by the 
signing of the armistice, the first detachment of Com- 
pany F left for the point on the Toul sector where 
the 24 members of the detachment were to get prac- 
tical experience with the other Flash and Sound Rang- 
ing Sections. Company E was later made Company 
A, of the 74th Engineers. 



Upon the departure of Lieutenant Bazzoni for the 
front, Captain Lyman took active charge of the school 
and remained as the principal instructor until he was 
ordered to the headquarters of the 26th Division. 
Lieutenant French (now Captain French) succeeded 
Captain Lyman at the school and was acting in that 
capacity at the close of hostilities. The Second Bat- 
talion of the 29th Engineers was authorized in a gen- 
eral order of August 17 and on October 1, Captain 
Lyman was promoted to the rank of Major. Lieuten- 
ant French was also promoted by the same order. 
The office of the Second Battalion, with Captain 
Lyman in charge, had been opened in Toul about Sep- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 27 

tember 4, and it continued to be Major Lyman's head- 
quarters until the Second Battalion left Toul for St. 
Nazaire, November 20, 1918. 



28 



RANGING IN FRANCE 




►-H .2 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 29 



CHAPTER II. 

IN THE SHADOW OF MONT SEC 

In the very shadows of Mont Sec (Hill 380) in the 
famous St. Mihiel salient of the Toul sector of the old 
Lorraine front, was established the first Sound Rang- 
ing Section in the American Army. The base extended 
from Buconville, on the left, to Bois du Jury, on the 
right, and from his elevated position on the crest of 
Mont Sec, Fritz had an unobstructed view of the 
American trenches below him in the little valley of 
the Rupt de Mad, as well as of the country for many 
miles behind our lines. 

When the first Sound Ranging detachment reached 
the front on the morning of March 10, the Americans 
were holding a section of the line about ten miles long. 
It extended from a point near the town of Apremont, 
on the eastern nose of the St. Mihiel salient, to a spot 
just west of Flirey. The French held a sector on the 
right and at Pont-a-Mousson the Americans were 
again to be found in the line. In both sectors the 
troops were from the 1st Division, the first fighting 
forces from America to join General Pershing in 
France. 

The St. Mihiel salient had been a thorn in the side 
of France since 1914, the first year of the war, when 
the German Army, under the Crown Prince, failed to 
break through at Verdun and attempted to encircle 
that point. The Germans took the historic Fort Champ 
des Romains and crossed the Meuse River, capturing 
the railroads connecting Commercy and Verdun. On 



30 RANGING IN FRANCE 

the right the enemy pushed on across the Rupt de Mad, 
through Mandres and almost to Menilitour. At the 
latter point they were repulsed by the French and 
compelled to retreat to the heights of the Meuse with 
Mont Sec just back of their front line defenses. From 
the first year of the war until the great American of- 
fensive of September 12, 1918, the lines remained prac- 
tically the same. The French, at a great cost in men 
and ammunition, failed to drive back the invading 
hordes, while on various occasions the Germans en- 
deavored to enlarge the salient, but to no avail. 

The enemy forces were supplied by a standard 
gauge railroad from Metz, 20 miles in the rear. Nar- 
row gauge roads brought the supplies to various points 
at the front. Just back of the famous hill was estab- 
lished an advanced base and many were the times 
that the boys in the front line trench at night would 
distinctly hear the puffing of the engine as it brought 
its load of supplies and ammunition to the enemy. And 
the Sound Ranging observers who spent six long 
months before Mont Sec, still tell of the numerous 
times that the strains from the German band floated 
across No Man's Land to the American trenches, for 
it appeared to be the custom of Fritz to welcome fresh 
troops to the front in this manner, as well as "playing 
out'* the retiring battalions. And it was from hear- 
ing the enemy's band that the Intelligence Section was 
often able to learn when the enemy contemplated an 
attack, as fresh troops were always brought in for 
that purpose. 

When the 1st Division first faced the Germans 
in the Toul sector, the trenches were only a short 
distance apart. The American line extended in front 
of the village of Buconville approximately one mile, 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 31 

running northeast just beyond the Buconville-Xivray 
Road. At Xivray the American front line trench was 
a little more than one hundred yards in front of that 
village. Almost adjoining Xivray on the right and 
on the fringe of No Man's Land was the still smaller 
village of Marvoisin. From the latter point the line 
extended to Seicheprey across an open section of the 
country, where neither the Americans nor Germans 
had attempted to entrench themselves. However, in 
front of Seicheprey trenches had been constructed for 
the protection of the troops and for the defense of the 
village. To the right of Seicheprey, the line formed 
a small salient, encircling the Bois de Remieres, held 
by the Americans. A kilometer to the right of Seiche- 
prey is the Bois du Jury, where a Sound Ranging 
observation post was located for several months, prior 
to the St. Mihiel offensive. As a general description, 
the battle line in the Toul sector followed a winding 
valley, through which flowed the waters of the Rupt 
de Mad. This little stream would hardly be called a 
creek in America, although in the rainy season the 
river is swollen until it overflows its banks and is 
several hundred yards wide at various points. 

Back of the American line, approximately a mile, 
and paralleling the valley, was the famous Metz-St. 
Dizier Highway, constructed on the crest of a long, 
narrow ridge extending from Buconville to the village 
of Flirey. This was considered one of the most strat- 
egic points along the front as it commanded the valley 
below, including the enemy trenches. However, the 
position was far from being as advantageous as that 
held by the Germans on Mont Sec and the hills beyond. 

The towns that suffered the most from enemy shell 
fire were Xivray, Seicheprey and Flirey, near the 



32 RANGING IN FRANCE 

trenches, and Rambuecourt and Beaumont, on the Metz- 
St. Dizier Road. The vicinity of Bois du Jury was 
subjected to heavy shell fire, owing to the fact that 
many battery positions were located near it. Just south 
of the road before mentioned and to the right of Beau- 
mont were other batteries, which drew fire continually. 
At this point the road leading from Beaumont to 
Mandres made a sharp turn and a hundred yards to 
the west was an engineers' dump, daily the target for 
the German guns. Rambuecourt was little more than 
two miles from the German observation posts on Mont 
Sec and afforded the best target along the front for 
artillery work. That Fritz took advantage of his posi- 
tion, the observers and linesmen of Sound Ranging Sec- 
tion No. 1 will readily testify. Mandres, one and one- 
half miles north of Seicheprey was shelled at intervals, 
the worst barrage the enemy putting over on the town, 
being during the battle of Seicheprey. 

The above description of the Lorraine front has 
been given in order that the reader may more readily 
locate the points which will be mentioned in chronicling 
the stirring events in this area from the date of the 
first American raid on March 10 to the cessation of 
hostilities. 

It was 1 o'clock on the afternoon of Sunday, March 
10, that a big army truck rolled into Mandres and 
stopped before a building in the center of the village 
that had not entirely escaped the ravages of war. Out 
of the truck tumbled 40 men, the first detachment of 
American Sound Rangers to reach the front for the 
purpose of establishing a base. No one ever forgets 
his first day on the front — that is within range of the 
enemy light artillery. Usually he is astonished at the 
apparent tranquility of the section, for unless he en- 




OBSERVATION POSTS ON S. R. S. NO. 3 




LEFT TO RIGHT— SCENES IN MANDRES, SOUND RANGING HEAD- 
QUARTERS. THE DUGOUTS SHOWN WERE OCCUPIED BY S. R. 
S. NO. 1 CENTRAL UNTIL JUNE 1, AFTER WHICH THEY WERE 
USED RY THE RIGHT LINES STATION. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 33 

counters a barrage or reaches the front during a drive, 
he will not find the activity that he expects. The 
events of the next few weeks are best told by a mem- 
ber of the first detachment as follows : 

''Mandres, the little village on the edge of the battle 
line, became the home of the Sound Ranging detach- 
ment upon the first day of our arrival and remained the 
headquarters of this branch of the service until the 
close of the war. The buildings in the north end of 
the village were completely ruined from shell fire, 
the bare walls and piles of stone reminding us not a 
little of an American town following a disastrous fire. 
We were billeted near the center of the village, which 
had suffered less from the artillery. A few days be- 
fore our arrival an enemy shell had struck the building 
adjoining ours, almost completely wrecking the struc- 
ture and killing ten men who were billeted inside. It 
had also taken out the side of the building we occupied 
and as we unrolled our blankets on the second floor it 
was anything but encouraging to glance downward 
where the Americans had recently given their lives to 
the cause. 

''Directly to the rear of the billets which we occu- 
pied, the French had placed a 9.5 centimeter battery 
and 200 yards away was an American battery of the 
same calibre. The French battery was located in an 
orchard, the overhanging branches of the trees forming 
a natural camouflage. The American battery was 
camouflaged to resemble a haystack, and as the posi- 
tion was an old one, the similarity was surprising. It 
might be said, however, that Fritz had this battery 
located despite the camouflage, a fact that was quite 
evident on many occasions afterward. 

* 'Fifty yards up the street from our billets was the 



34 RANGING IN FRANCE 

village church, constructed in the 16th century, and 
just back of the church the little cemetery, neither 
of which, at that date, had been damaged to any extent 
by artillery fire. Thousands of shells had been whipped 
into the village in the early days of the war and fight- 
ing had taken place in the very streets, but the church 
had remained untouched. 

"At this point in this story, it is well to introduce 
another character — Magda Laurent — an aged mad- 
emoiselle, who had always made her home in the vil- 
lage. She was 65 years old. Mandres was her birth- 
place, as well as that of her father. She had never 
married. The bursting shells meant little to her. Al- 
most four years in this carnage, she was resigned to the 
inevitable. Provided with a French gas mask, she 
would seek shelter in the cellar or a neighboring dugout 
when the whistling, whining thing drew dangerously 
near. The boys all made friends with Magda Laurent. 
She washed and mended their clothes and did a hun- 
dred things that endeared her to them. And on the 
other hand, the cheerful old mademoiselle was always 
welcome at the Sound Rangers' kitchen. Like the 
church, the little home of Magda Laurent had never 
been touched, although on each side of it were broken 
walls, remnants of dwellings, which once had been 
happy homes. 

**Just back of the French battery was the burial 
place of the heroes of the American Expeditionary 
Forces, who had given their lives here. As we 
drew near the place we caught a view of two long 
rows of newly made mounds and a third had been 
started. In all there were probably 60 graves. Each 
spot was marked with a wooden cross, giving the name 
of the deceased and his regiment. Officers and en- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 35 

listed men slept side by side. In mute evidence of the 
significance of war, a little procession approaches. Six 
men are carrying what remains of a little 16-year-old 
Corporal, who had been hit by a German shell the 
day previous. He is laid to rest in the third row. 

**Soon afternoon the French battery in the rear of 
our billet, and during the next hour, sent over 25 or 30 
shells for the purpose of silencing a battery in the 
vicinity of Mont Sec. During this period an interest- 
ing thing occurred. There was a little tingle from 
the telephone at the battery and upon receiving certain 
information regarding enemy activities, the firing 
ceased and the green painted cover, used to further 
camouflage the guns, was thrown over them. The 
precautionary measures were explained by the ap- 
proach of a German aeroplane from the northwest. 
Everyone 'got under cover' immediately and soon we 
heard the crack of the anti-aircraft battery and ob- 
served the white puffs in the air, caused by the burst- 
ing shells. The invader was soon driven back within 
his own lines. 

^'During the afternoon we received the information 
that the Americans had planned to put over their first 
barrage the following morning, preceding the initial 
raid under the direct supervision of American officers. 
A counter barrage was expected and all troops in the 
village not having dugouts for protection were ordered 
back to other towns approximately two kilometers in 
the rear. 

*'At 4 o'clock on the morning of March 11, the 
American Army opened up its first barrage on the 
Germans. We saw many later far more terrific, but 
none ever impressed us more than that first bombard- 
ment. It continued for two hours and then the men 



36 RANGING IN FRANCE 

of the 1st Division went over the top. They found 
that our fire had practically obliterated the enemy's 
first line trench. But they did not find the 'beaucoup 
Boche' that they expected. The enemy had retired to 
the reserve trenches and the Americans had to be con- 
tented with two lone prisoners. Fritz did not retaliate 
as expected. We returned to Mandres and the next 
day began the work of installing the base. The lines- 
men followed the surveyors, every man in the detach- 
ment assisting in the work. 

"Mandres was selected for the home of the central 
and one of the lines stations. Rambuecourt was to be 
the home of a group of linesmen whose duty was to 
keep in repair the lines on the left of the base. In 
order to reach the points desired it was necessary to 
construct the lines over some of the worst shelled area 
in the sector. From Mandres the trunk line was strung 
at a distance of from a kilometer to 200 yards south 
of the Metz-St. Dizier Road, between Beaumont and 
Rambuecourt. Between the lines and the noted high- 
way was a long line of battery emplacements. Owing 
to the proximity to these batteries the lines were sub- 
ject to heavy enemy shell fire, which made line work 
in that vicinity perilous. The same conditions pre- 
vailed on the right of the base, where the lines were laid 
near *Dead Man's Curve' and the vicinity of Bois du 
Jury. 

"Some amusing, as well as somewhat thrilling, ex- 
periences were related by those who installed the first 
base. Pierre Weiss, noted in the detachment for his 
originality and dry sense of humor, was in a wiring 
party one day when the men were caught in a little 
barrage. Some of the shells burst too close for comfort 
and every man ^flopped' to escape the flying frag- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 37 

merits. The bombardment over, the men picked them- 
selves out of the grass. No one was injured. Private 
Weiss was the last to emerge and his first inquiry was : 

" *How many shots were there? I stuck my head in 
the mud after the first one and didn't hear the others.* 

"On March 18 a detail of men in charge of Lieuten- 
ant VanVechtan left Mandres with packs for Xivray for 
the purpose of constructing a forward observation post. 
It was early in the afternoon when the little party 
reached Rambuecourt, at which point they took the 
communication trench leading to Xivray and the front 
line. At Rambuecourt they found a courier who 
was bound for Xivray and he volunteered to act as 
guide for the party. Into the muddy trench filed the 
boys with their heavy packs. It was very essential 
that all keep their heads below the parapet as Fritz 
had a habit of shelling this communication trench 
when he discovered troops in it. And it was right 
here that the trouble started. Private Weiss, who 
was over six feet in his stocking feet, had no little 
trouble in keeping his head down and his companions 
still contend that it was he who caused the Boche to 
open up with 77s on them. At any rate the shells 
begun to drop uncomfortably close and every member 
of the party 'flopped' in the muddy trench. Fortu- 
nately no one was injured. Hours were spent in the 
trench, winding in and out in order to follow the zigzag 
course it took. After a few hours spent in this man- 
ner the guide emerged from the trench onto a road 
and the boys clambered out expected to find them- 
selves in the village of Xivray. Imagine their surprise 
and the chagrin of Lieutenant Van Vechtan when the 
town of Beaumont loomed up before them. The guide 
had taken the wrong trench and had led the party 



38 RANGING IN FRANCE 

almost back to Mandres, the starting point. The de- 
tail did not reach Xivray that night but returned to 
Mandres and the next day made the trip successfully 
without the assistance of a guide. 

"On the same day that the detail left for Xivray, 
a group of linesmen, in charge of Lieutenant Perry, 
took up their abode at Rambuecourt, which remained 
the location of a line station until after the St. Mihiel 
offensive. Sergeant W. E. Roberts (now Lieutenant) 
was the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 
post until transferred to Section 3.*' 

The following account of the events that occurred 
at Rambuecourt and Xivray during the early days is 
given by one of the linesmen stationed at the first men- 
tioned village: 

"One of our first duties on arriving at Rambue- 
court was to string two lines to the observation post 
at Xivray. It was necessary to do this under cover 
of darkness and we began the work one evening soon 
after sundown. All the linesmen were detailed on the 
job, which was under the supervision of Lieutenant 
Perry. The lines were laid in duplicate a few hun- 
dred yards apart, the purpose being that should one 
line be cut by shell fire the other might remain in oper- 
ation. The route of the lines was across the little valley 
of the Rupt de Mad and the river of the same name 
and paralleling the road to Xivray from a point a short 
distance north of the stream. This road was a popular 
target for the Germany artillery and was also within 
machine gun range. As this was the initial trip to 
the front line for some of us we were naturally a little 
nervous. We had reached the crest of the little hill, 
two hundred yards south of the village when I was 
stationed at a point for perhaps 30 minutes, while 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 39 

Sergeant Roberts and the other men of the detail com- 
pleted the work in the rear. I could plainly hear the 
staccato rattle of machine guns at intervals and occa- 
sionally a star shell would light up that section of No 
Man's Land opposite us. The flares and star shells 
were so bright that I was half afraid we might be ob- 
served in our work even at that distance, when I dis- 
tinctly heard the rattle of a ration wagon coming 
down the road from the rear. As the wagon came 
closer I could hear the driver urging the mule team 
along with a choice line of profanity and talking in a 
loud tone to his assistant. As the enemy often swept 
this part of the road with machine gun fire I was sur- 
prised at the noise the outfit was making. The wagon 
came alongside and the driver, thinking he was ad- 
dressing a sentinel, accosted me with : 

" 'Say, Jack, where in hell is the town of Xivray, 
and how far are we from our first line trench.' 

" 'You are only three hundred yards from the vil- 
lage,' I replied, 'and the trenches are just in front of it.' 

" 'Well, that hill over there is inside our lines 'ain't 
it,' he asked, pointing to Mont Sec, the dim outline of 
which was visible in the distance. 

" 'No, the Boche are a mile this side of it,' I told 
him. 

" 'Holy mackerel. Buddy,' he ejaculated, address- 
ing his assistant, 'we damned near got into Germany 
before we knew it. We must have taken the wrong 
road. Get up!' 

"The wagon rolled on, but I did not hear so much 
loud talking afterward. 

"It was midnight when we reached the crossroads 
in the village. Nothing remained of the place but bare 



40 



RANGING IN FRANCE 



walls and piles of stone. The observers were quartered 
with a machine gun detachment only a few yards be- 
hind the trenches. They were busily engaged in haul- 
ing 'eye beams' for use in the construction of the post, 
which was to be located in the edge of the village and 
practically in the trenches. 

"On reaching the principal street in the village 
with the wire we found it necessary to string the line 
from one high wall to another on the opposite side. It 
was here that one of the most amusing incidents of 
our stay on the front occurred. Lieutenant Perry and 
I had climbed to the top of the wall to fasten the wire. 
A startled guard in the street below, for the first time 
getting a view of our silhouetted forms against the sky, 
hastily brought his rifle to his shoulder and demanded : 
'* 'What in hell are you doing on that wall?' 
"It was my turn to be startled, for from my experi- 
ences with the American 'doughboy' I knew that we 
were fortunate in having been challenged before he 




STRINGING A LINE TO THE OBSERVATION POST 
AT XIVRAY. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 41 

pulled the trigger. Lieutenant Perry is a native of 
South Carolina and his Southern dialect was often very 
amusing to the men of his command. But the 
Southerner's reply was as calm as unexpected: 

" 'What the hell yo' think I'se doin' up ha'r, taking 
a sun bath?' The guard came closer and observed he 
was addressing an officer. Then, in an apologetical 
tone, he said: 

" 'Well, it's my duty to find out.' 

" That's all right,' retorted the Southerner, *I'm 
here to answer all questions,' 

'The ludicrous side of the situation appealed to me, 
and in spite of the presence of the officer, I laughed 
until I almost tumbled from the wall. But the 
Southerner never smiled. 

"Enemy artillery continued very active on our en- 
tire section during the next few weeks. The base was 
operating successfully and we were giving much im- 
portant information to the artillery regarding enemy 
batteries. The linesmen on both ends of the section 
had many narrow escapes and were compelled to spend 
much of the time, both day and night, on the shell 
swept field. The right observation post had been 
established near the village of Seicheprey and just to 
the left of Bois du Jury. The linesmen at central, 
which had been given the code name of Taylor,' in 
honor of Sergeant Taylor, found the area in the vi- 
cinity of Beaumont exceptionally active, and it became 
known as 'Kitty's Hot Hole.' This was near the fam- 
ous 'Dead Man's Curve.' 

"At Rambuecourt, Fritz shelled the part of the 
town where our kitchen and dugouts were located and 
many were the times those first few weeks that we 



42 RANGING IN FRANCE 

were compelled to eat our food with a generous supply 
of dirt and particles of mortar thrown in the kitchen 
as the result of bursting shells. 

"It was during the early days of the section that 
Lieutenant Perry, Sergeant Roberts, Privates Camp- 
bell and Eckfield had a thrilling experience on the 
lines one night, when the high explosive shells and gas 
made the area a dangerous one. Despite the terrific 
barrage the linesmen repaired the lines and re-estab- 
lished communication. 

"There is often a funny side to a situation. It was 
while the base was being installed that the following 
incident occurred. The night was dark, intensely dark, 
and the three linesmen, plodding through the mud along 
the road just back of the front line on the old American 
sector, could not see a foot ahead of them — each had 
a bundle of screening on his back, as the detail had 
orders to camouflage a microphone position which was 
very conspicuous in daylight. To add to the dis- 
comfort of the men the rain was coming down in tor- 
rents. Private Jones was in the lead and the splashing 
of the mud was the only means he had of telling he 
was in the road. At intervals a star shell would light 
up the roadway, then dying would make the darkness 
seem even more intense. Private Jones was turning 
over in his mind the possibility of encountering a Boche 
patrol when suddenly he collided with an object. 
Simultaneously something cold struck him on the hand. 
Thoughts of a German bayonet instantly entered his 
mind and he emitted a yell that would put a Commanche 
Indian to shame. He dropped the screening in the 
road and his companions halted abruptly in their 
tracks, fearing the worst had happened. The situa- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 43 

tion was soon explained. Private Jones had collided 
with an orderly on a bicycle. 

''During the first week in April, the battery posi- 
tion just back of Rambuecourt was shelled heavily and 
it was on the 6th of the month that Private Leonard 
Preston was severely wounded by a shell fragment, 
while at work on lines near the edge of the village. 
He was taken to the hospital and was not returned to 
the section until many weeks later.'* 

It was during the first week of April that the 1st 
Division was relieved on the Toul sector by the 26th 
Division, National Guard, from the New England 
states. The heroic work of the infantry of this divi- 
sion will be told in another chapter of this narrative. 

Volumes have been written concerning the aviation 
service. The romantic stories of the birdmen appeal 
to every red-blooded American. Stories have been 
written of the dashing work of the cavalry and the 
stirring deeds of the infantry and artillery have come 
in for their share of praise. But little has been said 
about the linesmen and the forward observers, whose 
work is so essential to the success of modern warfare. 

To a large extent the successful operation of artil- 
lery on any sector depends upon the alertness and 
accuracy of the observer. In both Flash and Sound 
Ranging the efforts of the observers are of the utmost 
importance. Without their aid it is practically im- 
possible to operate the section. And it is quite fre- 
quently that the observer works under the most diffi- 
cult circumstances. His post is usually very close to 
the front line trench and often it is in advance of the 
infantry, much depending upon the topography of the 
country. The object is, of course, to locate the post 



44 RANGING IN FRANCE 

in a position that would permit a view of the territory 
held by the enemy and often this is in a section that 
is continually under shell fire. From four to eight 
men are usually assigned to a post, depending upon 
how many are available to a section. A post is usually 
operated by two observers on shifts of two hours each, 
they being relieved every 12 hours. If the observers 
are quartered near the post, the reliefs are made 
oftener as a rule. 

The observer is provided with a panoramic map, 
also a map which gives the location and range of the 
enemy's artillery. The map also gives data on the 
various enemy batteries and their activities. When- 
ever a piece fires he must be on the alert in order that 
he may form an estimate of location and probable 
objective, as well as the calibre. While very accurate 
locations are secured by the apparatus used in Sound 
Ranging, the observations of the men in the post are 
of great assistance in determining the location of the 
enemy battery. The observer must not confuse the 
"on de choc" of the enemy guns with friendly guns fir- 
ing overhead. For the benefit of those who are not 
familiar with the term it might be well to state that the 
"on de choc'' is the French phrase for shell wave. The 
shell wave, or "on de choc," is produced by high velocity 
guns only. This is due to the fact that the projectile 
travels at first faster than the sound. From any posi- 
tion in front of the gun within a certain zone the 
projectile at one part of its trajectory will be moving 
with such a velocity that the rate of which it dimin- 
ishes from him is equal to the velocity of sound. When 
this is the case the observer will receive at the same 
time all the sounds produced by the shell during an 
appreciable time and all of these sounds reaching him 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 45 

at once are perceived as a sharp crack — the "on de 
choc." 

The part of the trajectory from which the shell 
wave is heard, and the time interval between its pre- 
ception and that of the report, depend upon the posi- 
tion of the observer. The interval is greatest when 
the observer is in the line of fire and in this case he 
hears the shell wave from the shell at the part of its 
path where it is traveling with the velocity of sound. 

The double sound can be heard very distinctly, the 
sharp crack of the shell being followed by the duller 
sound of the report. Of these two sounds, the shell 
wave in general carries much the further, owing partly 
to its sharpness, the fact that it is above trees and 
other obstacles and that the projectile is moving while 
the gun is, of course, stationary. When only one sound 
from an enemy gun is heard, it is the shell wave, and 
not the true report of the gun. 

Sound is always affected more or less by atmo- 
spherical conditions, and this fact must be taken into 
consideration by the observer. Sound is defined as an 
energy of vibration that extends out in all directions, 
varying according to the conductor through which it 
moves. The earth is a poor conductor, while water, air 
and certain other methods are favorable. A sound 
produced in the air when all the conditions are the 
same, travels out with a circular wave-like motion, 
radiating in all directions equally and with a standard 
velocity of 337.6 meters per second at 10 degrees centi- 
grade. A higher temperature and a greater amount 
of moisture tend to speed up a sound wave. A lower 
temperature or less degree of moisture decreases that 
sound move. 

Not only does the observer, in either of the two 



46 RANGING IN FRANCE 

branches, need to be familiar with calibre and ranging 
of artillery, but he is often compelled to operate his 
post under perilous difficulties. Perhaps the line con- 
necting the post with central and the lines stations has 
been severed by shell fire in the vicinity of the post. 
It is then that the observer often takes his pliers and 
a coil of wire and goes out to assist the linesmen in re- 
establishing communication, leaving his companion at 
the post to resume his duties when the line is in. 

But it is the linesmen on the front who are responsi- 
ble for the maintenance of the telephone and other 
lines extending to various points on the front, that 
make co-operation of infantry and artillery possible. 
The path of the linesman is not all roses, neither is it 
all thorns. A few miles in the rear the linesmans' job 
is a comparatively easy one and the worker is subject 
to little danger. But the men that keep the lines on 
the front in repair, disregarding danger and cheerfully 
enduring the hardships, deserve many honors that they 
never receive because much of their work is never 
brought to light except among themselves. 

Not every soldier makes a good linesman any more 
than every soldier would be a successful aviator. In 
the first place, a linesman requires a good, strong 
physique, with steady nerves, a cool head and good 
judgment. His physical condition must be so that he 
can endure the strain of being called at all hours of 
the day and night, thus losing much sleep and still be 
able to do his work so thoroughly that no complications 
will arise later. He must be ready to clamber out of 
his dugout in any kind of weather, when the freezing 
wind is almost unbearable or the rain is falling in tor- 
rents, when the slush is knee deep in the abandoned 
trenches, where the wires are often strung. It re- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 47 

quires steady nerves and a cool head to follow a line a 
dark night, amid bursting shells, fully realizing that 
any moment might be his last. To scramble in and 
out of the shell holes, as to encircle them might be the 
cause of losing the wire, thus causing delay in locating 
it again. Often the linesmen have donned their masks, 
for there is seldom a bombardment without a generous 
supply of gas. And in all probability it is a gas shell 
that has broken the wire, and when the men have lo- 
cated the break they calmly make the splices, despite 
the deadly, poisonous fumes around them. Perhaps 
the wires have been cut in many places and it is neces- 
sary to telephone back to the station for more help. 
Quite often it is quicker to string a new line entirely 
than to endeavor to repair the old one. Where there 
are numerous wires on the same row of short poles or 
on the ground, and all are cut by shell fire, it is often 
a problem, in the intense darkness, to untangle them 
and make the proper connections. This requires pa- 
tience and it is here that a cool head is a valuable asset. 
The linesman must complete the job, unless there is a 
reserve line that has not been put out of commission. 

The linesman is often confronted with the task of 
locating a break inside the insulation. This requires 
time and much patience and a break of this nature can 
only be located by numerous tests. Then a linesman 
is often called out to repair an imaginary break, the 
trouble being in the inability of the operator to manipu- 
late his switchboard. It is then that if one was near 
the linesman when told of the mistake, he would detect 
a little blue flame in the immediate vicinity and it 
wouldn't be from gas either. 

A brief description of the work of the observers 
and linesmen has been given, and it is very essential 



48 RANGING IN FRANCE 

that a few words be written concerning activities at 
a Sound Ranging Central. While the central is usually 
a few kilometers in the rear, it is here that the actual 
data is compiled and submitted to the Chief Intel- 
ligence Officer of that section of the front. It is at 
central that the greatest number of men are stationed, 
linesmen, computers, telephone operators and men who 
operate the electrical apparatus. Their work is of the 
utmost importance, but Mr. Censor has forbidden a 
detailed description of the methods used by them. 

All the lines of the sector ran out from central and 
each was given a code name such as: Abie, Bennie, 
Charlies, etc. When a line goes out of commission, 
central immediately informs the line station by stating 
that "Abie is sick," or whichever the case may be. 
Many amusing incidents arose over using the code. 
On one occasion a new linesman was assigned to one 
of the stations and was on telephone duty when central 
informed him that "Bennie was sick." 

"Is that so. Is he one of the boys at central?" 
asked the linesman, with deep regret in his voice. 

Another amusing incident that occurred as a result 
of a misunderstanding was the day following the 
Seicheprey battle, an account of which will be found in 
another chapter. Corporal Hartley was an observer 
at Xivray, who was, of course, directly in touch with 
the Rambuecourt line station. One of the lines extend- 
ing between these two points had been given over to the 
infantry to use between regimental and battalion head- 
quarters, as the signal corps had no communication be- 
tween the two places during that initial engagement 
between the Germans and the Americans. In some 
way Corporal Hartley became attached to the line 




TOP— WHAT REMAINED OF THE GERMAN RAILROAD BEHIND MONT 
SEC AFTER THE AMERICAN BOMBARDMENT SEPTEMBER 12. 

BOTTOM— THE VILLAGE OF XIVRAY, WHERE THE FIRST SOUND 
RANGING OBSERVATION POST WAS ESTABLISHED. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 49 

that was being used by the infantry, and he and 
the Colonel at regimental headquarters became en- 
tangled in quite a controversy before the matter was 
cleared up. The conversation between the two ran 
something like this: 

"Hello," accosted the Colonel from the 26th Divi- 
sion, **is this battalion headquarters?" 

''Who is this speaking," asked Corporal Hartley. 

'The Colonel," was the reply. 

"Who in hell is the Colonel?" demanded the Cor- 
poral, thinking one of the linesmen at Rambuecourt was 
attempting to 'kid* him. 

"Well I can't tell you over the telephone," replied 
the officer. 

"Get the hell off the line then," yelled the Corporal 
in anything but a mild tone. 

The Colonel hung up, but he found Lieutenant 
Perry in charge of the Rambuecourt line station and 
told him he believed the enemy had tapped on his line. 

An observer tells a story that is worth repeating. 
It was decidedly hot one night in the American trenches 
in front of Buconville, where a Sound Ranging ob- 
servation post was located. For 30 minutes Fritz had 
been throwing over tons of steel in a very heavy 
barrage preparatory to sending over a raiding party. 
A trench mortar was causing havoc among the troops 
at a certain point in the trench. The casualties had be- 
come numerous and some of the new "doughboys" were 
inclined to be excitable. A sergeant noticed that one 
of the privates in his platoon appeared to be greatly 
agitated, and said: 

"Calm yourself, Joe, you're not afraid, are you?" 



50 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"No sir," replied the private, "but they're shelling 
Buconville and my barrack bag's there." 

"Why are you turning that claxton?" asked Private 
Howard Breshears of a gas guard on the front line for 
the first time, "there is no gas." 

"I know," replied the guard, "but I want the of- 
ficers to know I'm on the job." 

It was on that part of the old American front occu- 
pied by Sound Ranging Section No. 2, and near Apre- 
mont, that the Americans sent over a raiding party 
early one morning to the enemy trenches and suc- 
ceeded in capturing a number of prisoners. Among 
them was a German youth not more than 16 years of 
age. He was badly frightened at first, but when he 
had gotten on the outside of two steaming cups of cof- 
fee and a generous supply of rice and bacon, his spirits 
revived and it was quite evident that he was pleased 
with his new environs. 

"Say," said he, addressing a sergeant in German, 
"let me go back and bring my brother, he's just over 
there at an outpost," 

Corporal Hartley was a member of a surveying de- 
tail. One day, while the party was at work two 
kilometers from the front line, Fritz started shelling 
the road near them. All beat a hasty retreat toward 
a linesmen's dugout and came tumbling down the steps 
together. After getting his breath one of the party 
said: 

"I never ran so fast in my life." 

"I wasn't running much," said Hartley, "but I 
passed several that were." 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 51 

It was Corporal Amery's first night on the front, 
and he was afraid of gas. He was a Texan and his 
peculiar dialect was often amusing to the others who 
shared the dugout with him. The Corporal was suf- 
fering from a slight attack of the grip. His com- 
panions went to sleep, leaving him to his troubles. At 
I o'clock he could stand the strain no longer. 

"Hey, fellows," said he sitting up, ''hey, wake up 
will yo'." 

"What in hell do you want," came from down be- 
tween the blankets in a lower bunk. 

"Why," replied the Texan, "will yo' please smell fo* 
me, I've a cold and I'm afraid there's gas." 

Corporal Atchison and "Ted" Bandemer were ob- 
servers at Smith observation post in Bois du Jury. 
While not on duty they occupied a small dugout near 
the trenches. One day a "whizbang" hit just behind 
Corporal Atchison. The non-com fell headlong into 
the dugout and escaped injury. A rat just outside fell 
a victim to the shell. The next day a shell struck the 
comer of the dugout just as the Corporal entered and 
killed a cat, which was following him. 

"Stick around, Ted,' " said the Corporal. 

A German propaganda balloon had fallen inside the 
American lines. It was the first of the kind that the 
new artillery observer had had occasion to report. He 
hesitated as he did not have the word quite clear in his 
mind. Then he called up headquarters and said: 

"Prophylactic balloon fell in west end of Beaumont 
at 2 :35." 

The following is an interesting description given 



52 RANGING IN FRANCE 

by a linesman at Taylor line station of an experience 
on the lines one night during the summer while an 
electrical storm was in progress, and the elements and 
artillery seemed to compete with each other for the 
mastery of the heavens. "An enemy gun of large cali- 
bre," said the linesman, "had been firing in our section 
and tearing great holes in a field over which one of our 
lines extended. It was ten o'clock and the storm was 
at its height when we were notified that *Abie* was out. 
We heard the bursting of the shells and was quite cer- 
tain the break was in that vicinity. But in order to 
make sure the line was intact up to that point it was 
necessary to follow the line all the way from the sta- 
tion. As we trudged across the field, running the 
wires through our hands that we might detect any 
break in the intense darkness, our heavy artillery in 
the rear opened up on the enemy positions. The rain 
was falling heavily and the roll of thunder and the flash 
of lightning intermingling with the flash and crack of 
the guns, together with a shell bursting now and then 
near us, was enough to make one believe that the heav- 
ens and earth were combating with each other. A 
shell fragment had broken the wire and after making 
the necessary repairs we took a short route to our dug- 
out where we were soon in some dry clothes." 




SCENES IN THE VILLAGE OF SEICHEPREY, WHKRi: THE FlllST 
BATTLE BETWEEN A^NIERICAN AND GERMAN TROOPS WAS 
FOUGHT, APRIL 20, 1918. A BATTALION OF THE 102ND 
INFANTRY, 2()TH DIVISION, HELD THIS SECTION OF THE 
FRONT AT THAT TIME 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 53 



CHAPTER III. 

SEICHEPREY AND XIVRAY. 

To the heroic lads of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Divi- 
sion, go the honor of winning the first American vic- 
tory in a hand to hand fight with the Hun. At no time 
during the entire period that American troops opposed 
the enemy were any of the khaki-clad units placed in a 
more critical position or fought more stubbornly than 
the boys from New England when they repulsed the 
Germans at Seicheprey on the memorable April 20, 
1918. Overwhelmingly outnumbered, the "Nutmeg- 
gers" refused to retreat and taught the Germans their 
first lesson in Yankee fighting. 

And proud, indeed, are the men of the Flash and 
Sound Ranging Service who operated on that section 
of the American front at the time that they can say 
they were linked with the 102nd in that initial strug- 
gle against the German shock troops. 

The 26th, which had been on the front at Ghemin 
des Dames, relieved the 1st Division on April 3, and 
held the line in the Toul sector from Apermont, on the 
left, to Flirey, on the right. While the 26th had suf- 
fered from a heavy gas attack at Ghemin des Dames, 
it remained for them to get their first real taste of 
warfare in the Toul sector. 

As will be noted from the accompanying diagram, 
the village of Seicheprey lies in a little valley between 
two hills, approximately one mile to the north of Beau- 
mont, the latter being on the Metz-St. Dizier Road. 



54 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Only piles of stone now mark this spot, practically a 
swamp at the time of the German assault. 

'To teach the Americans a lesson," instill in the 
Yankee heart fear of the Prussian Guard and ulti- 
mately secure possession of the ridge along which 
extended the famous highway, was undoubtedly the 
objectives of the enemy. 

To accomplish this end the enemy brought to this 
point ''Hindenburg's Traveling Circus,'* or in other 
words, 2000 shock troops, with which to crush the 
Americans. In all probability 3000 Germans partici- 
pated in the attack against less than 1000 men of the 
102nd Infantry. The enemy struck just to the left of 
the junction of the French and American lines. 

For several days previous to the Seicheprey attack, 
unusual enemy activity had been noted behind his lines 
and the German artillery had kept up an intermittent 
fire on the American battery positions. At the time 
of the attack, the Americans were holding the trenches 
approximately 200 yards in front of the village, with 
the German lines not over 500 yards away. To the 
right of the Seicheprey, less than a half mile, is the 
Bois de Remieres, and the American trenches extended 
through the northern edge of this wood. The greater 
number of the American machine gun positions were 
in the support trenches, a short distance behind the 
front line. Machine guns were also located in Seiche- 
prey and in a trench running at right angles to the 
Bois du Jury, just back and a little east of the Bois de 
Remiers. It was in this trench that the right observa- 
tion post of S. R. S. No. 1 was located, known as "Smith 
O'Pip," in honor of Corporal Smith, who was in 
charge. At the post when the Germans made the at- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 55 

tack, were Sergeant Hopkins and Privates Layman and 
Atchison. 

For three weeks previous to April 20, S. R. S. No. 
2 had been operating on the part of the front, but a 
few days before had moved farther to the left with its 
central at Broussy. 

At 3 o'clock on the morning of the attack, the Ger- 
mans opened up along the entire American front with 
a terrific bombardment, using high explosives, shrap- 
nel and gas, shelling the back areas for several kilom- 
eters. While the infantry attack was made on a front 
of not over one mile, the Germans, with a general 
bombardment, expected to keep the Americans in doubt 
as to the exact point where the blow would be struck. 
About two hours later the enemy concentrated his fire 
on a section of the front extending from a point be- 
tween Beaumont and Rambuecourt, on the west, to just 
east of the Bois du Jury on the east, approximately 
two kilometers. In this area, which received the most 
destructive fire, were the batteries to the right of Beau- 
mont and in the vicinity of the Bois du Jury, all the 
trenches in the region of Seicheprey, all roads in and 
leading to that point and the villages of Seicheprey, 
Beaumont, Mandres, Bemecourt and Grosrouve. 

It fell to the infantrymen and machine gunners in 
the front line to bear the brunt of the barrage, as well 
as the attack that followed. According to the stories 
told by the Sound Ranging observers and the **dough- 
boys'' in the trenches, Fritz appeared to have every 
position covered. But despite this fact the men stuck 
to their guns until they fell beside their pieces. The 
enemy fire was accurate, scores of direct hits being 
made on the machine guns. 

At daylight the Huns launched their attack, advanc- 



56 RANGING IN FRANCE 

ing mass formation — preceded by the shock troops. 
A heavy haze overhung the sector during the morning 
hours, and as the Americans in the trenches saw the 
green uniforms of the Germans advancing through the 
fog they clutched their rifles more firmly and, though 
half strangled with the poisonous gases, resolved to at 
least make the German victory a costly one. The ma- 
jority of the American machine guns had been silenced 
by the effectiveness of the German artillery, but the 
pieces that remained intact were manned by boys who 
knew not the meaning of the word retreat, and poured 
a deadly fire into the ranks of the advancing Huns. 
But while many a Boche bit the dust there in No Man's 
Land in front of Remieres Woods, the few Americans 
who held the trenches could not hold out long against 
the forces which so greatly outnumbered them. Hand 
to hand fighting ensued, and the Germans felt the cold 
steel of an American bayonet for the first time on that 
foggy April morning. Having taken the trenches in 
front of Remieres Woods the Germans continued to 
advance — the troops on the right pushing on toward 
Seicheprey and those on the left taking possession of 
Remieres Woods and attacking in the Bois du Jury. 
When the enemy attacked, the American artillery 
opened with a barrage and for a while it proved very 
effective, but later the firing practically ceased as the 
gunners exhausted their supply of ammunition. With 
no artillery support and the machine guns practically 
silenced, it remained for the infantry to repulse the 
Germans with the bayonet. 

Throughout the day the struggle continued. The 
Americans received some reinforcements, but still were 
outnumbered. Yet they exacted a price for every 
foot of ground they yielded. By 7 o'clock the Germans 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 57 

were in the village and until afternoon the fighting 
continued in the streets, between the crumbling walls 
of the buildings, around the dugouts and in the sup- 
port trenches. The shattered American forces at last 
dropped back to a position on the hillside just south of 
the village. Late in the afternoon the welcome news 
arrived that troops from the 162nd French Infantry 
(Verdun veterans) had arrived. Encouraged, the 
Americans launched the counter attack, and with the 
aid of the French drove the Huns from the village and 
the Remieres Woods, and before dawn had re-estab- 
lished the original line. 

The valiant work of the infantry abounds in deeds 
of individual heroism. Colonel Parker, commander 
of the 102nd, himself, went into the trenches to encour- 
age his men. It was while engaged in this work that 
he found a machine gun that had been silenced because 
its crew had been killed. Two Americans were lying 
dead beside the piece. The Colonel paused and said: 

"If these brave boys can stick to their post like that 
I can do a little," and he, a machine gun expert, oper- 
ated the gun until relieved. 

Until well toward noon the Germans appeared to 
have the supremacy of the air. Fighting planes 
swooped down on the trenches and poured their deadly 
fire upon the Americans. Later Allied planes ap- 
peared and drove the enemy aviators back to their own 
lines. 

The total number of Americans killed, wounded and 
captured, were well over 50 per cent of the total num- 
ber engaged. The German loss was heavy, it being 
estimated that at least 600 were killed or seriously 
wounded. Over 300 German dead were left in the 
American trenches when the enemy retreated. How- 



58 RANGING IN FRANCE 

ever, the Boche succeeded in taking approximately 175 
prisoners, who, the next day, were marched through 
the villages in the rear for the benefit of the German 
soldiers as well as to discourage the French civilians 
in the section of Lorraine held by the Germans for four 
long years. The official statement made by Germany 
was to the effect that the affair was nothing more 
than a big raid, in which the withdrawal was just as 
much a part of the program as was the attack. The 
untruthfulness of this statement is shown in the fact 
that the German troops carried their packs, trench 
shovels and rations, indicating that they planned to 
hold any position they might be successful in taking. 
Caught at the post in the front line by the barrage 
on the morning of the battle, the three observers of the 
Sound Ranging Section, conducted themselves like vet- 
erans. Private Atchison was on duty and before he 
could report the first gun to central, the telephone 
line had been severed. The observers investigated 
and found that the break in the line was not in their 
immediate vicinity and they were unable to patrol the 
line further, owing to the violence of the artillery. 
Within a few minutes every line to the rear had **gone 
out." Runners were relied upon for communication 
with the points behind the line. Just before daylight 
the observers and a number of signal corps men went 
into the support trenches and, standing on the firing 
steps, pumped lead into the German troops. Shells 
were bursting in the trenches and on all sides, 
but they stuck to their post for several hours. 
A 77 struck the dugout in which they had been 
quartered, demolishing one end of it. Enemy incen- 
diary shells had been dropped into Seicheprey, and by 
the light of the burning buildings the boys from their 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 59 

positions, could see the Americans in the village, man- 
euvering to make their last stand against the advanc- 
ing foe. 

At 1 o'clock the Germans were on three sides of 
the observation post and threatened to cut off the 
escape of the Americans in that vicinity. To reach 
Mandres, or any other point in the rear, meant run- 
ning the terrific barrage. Communication with cen- 
tral had not been established and Private Atchison 
threw a coil of wire over his shoulder and started out 
on the line with the intention of repairing the breaks 
or reporting to central. Sergeant Hopkins accompa- 
nied him, Layman deciding to remain at the post. Never 
will the observers forget that trip across the shell- 
swept field to Mandres. It was soon evident that it 
was impossible to repair the line, as it was cut in a 
hundred places and would require the stringing of new 
wire. The boys had been without food for almost 24 
hours, and they now began to feel the pangs of hunger, 
''canned Willie" or "hard tack'' would have been gladly 
accepted. In attempting to avoid the shells the boys 
stumbled into a machine gun position which had been 
abandoned hastily by the Americans. And what is this 
— a loaf of bread and a can of milk ! Despite the pro- 
testations of Sergeant Hopkins, Atchison, as calm as 
though he had his feet under the parental table, sat 
down on the ground and devoured the bread and milk, 
apparently unconscious of the bursting shells. How- 
ever, it is conceded that Hopkins did not permit Atchi- 
son to "get away" with all the newly found rations. 
Late in the evening the men succeeded in reaching 
Mandres. 

At the central in Mandres some stirring events had 
occurred. Fritz had thrown hundreds of shells into the 



60 RANGING IN FRANCE 

town, giving the village a generous assortment of gas, 
shrapnel and high explosives. Early in the morning 
a Boche aeroplane swooped down from the haze, and 
its machine gun was turned upon the Sound Rangers' 
kitchen, causing the occupants to beat a hasty retreat 
for the dugout. Three casualties during the day were 
recorded. Samuel Engholm, draughtsman, received an 
ugly wound in the arm from shrapnel ; William Rosseau 
was injured while repairing lines and Roland Schlaugh 
was gassed and also suffered a bad case of shell shock. 
A number of others who were more or less gassed 
were taken to the hospital for a few days for treat- 
ment. Great credit is due the linesmen of the section 
for their heroic work in attempting the impossible task 
of keeping the lines in repair. The linesmen at Mandres 
were in charge of Sergeant Taylor, the personnel in- 
cluding Privates Wheeler, Kelly, Thomas, Kursynske, 
Rosseau and Weiss. Time and again during the morn- 
ing hours did Sergeant Taylor and the others endeavor 
to repair the lines to the observation post and the 
microphones, but they would be "shot out" before they 
left the spot. 

In the vicinity of Rambuecourt, the shelling prac- 
tically ceased about 8 o'clock. The lines between Ram- 
buecourt and Xivray were intact, but no communica- 
tion between Rambuecourt and Mandres. Lieutenant 
Perry, in charge of the station at that time, took five 
men and started toward Mandres for the purpose of 
making the necessary repairs in the line. The men 
were Eckfield, Moon, Hinman, Cox, Cook and Platzer, 
leaving A. J. Breshears, H. R. Breshears, Campbell and 
Krogh at the station. What the detail experienced on 
its way to Mandres is best told by one of the party: 

"Lieutenant Perry in advance, we followed at an in- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 61 

terval of ten paces between each man. We encoun- 
tered no shell fire until we had covered half the dis- 
tance to Mandres. Up to that point we had found no 
breaks in the line. But we soon began to enter the 
shelled area with a break now and then, which we re- 
paired. The further we progressed the more intense 
the shelling and we were compelled to enter a support 
trench running parallel to our lines and toward the 
Mandres-Beaumont Road, for protection. The breaks 
in the line now became more frequent and the barrage 
increased in intensity. Two of us scrambled out to 
splice the wire. We completed the work, but before we 
could leave the spot, the ominous whistle of a 77 was 
distinctly audible and warned us what to expect. We 
tumbled headlong into the trench, leaving the telephone 
and testing set behind. Later when we returned we 
found the instruments, but they were buried by the 
dirt thrown up by the exploding shell. We were now 
only a short distance from the road and things were 
becoming livelier every minute. We made our way 
along the trench, the shells bursting on the very para- 
pet. We reached a point where the lines had been cut 
in a dozen places. We climbed out of the trench. Pri- 
vate Cox began "skinning' the insulation from the end 
of one of the lines. I stepped over a few yards to 
bring over the connecting wire and a 77 dropped be- 
tween us, Lieutenant Perry also having a narrow es- 
cape. Seeing that it was impossible to keep up the 
line, the officer ordered us into a nearby dugout. In- 
side the Lieutenant checked up the men and found 
Private Platzer missing. No one could remember hav- 
ing seen him since we entered the trench. We waited 
perhaps 20 minutes, at the end of which time the 
Lieutenant announced that he was going in search of 



62 RANGING IN FRANCE 

the missing linesman. I accompanied him. We made 
our way back along the trench, through the barrage, 
expecting to find Platzer seriously injured and unable 
to aid himself. For an hour we continued the search, 
but to no avail. We returned to the dugout. We 
now noticed the Red Cross ambulances tearing along 
the road to and fro, between the front line and the 
rear. Past 'Dead Man's Curve,' where the shells were 
falling continually, raced the cars. Up to the edge of 
Jury Woods, almost to the front line trenches, that 
the infantry was defending so gallantly, the drivers 
took their cars, returning loaded with the wounded. It 
seemed almost impossible that a car could make that 
trip and escape destruction. Now one is struck and 
tossed to one side like a broken toy. In this case one 
of the occupants was killed and the others, together 
with the driver, seriously injured, adding to the suffer- 
ing of those who had been wounded on the battle field. 
On each side of the road reinforcements were pushing 
their way through the barrage toward the front. 

^'During a momentary lull we left the dugout and 
made the remaining distance to Mandres. The village 
had escaped the enemy's shells for many months, but 
now the battered buildings left in the place were again 
the target for the German guns. We made our way 
up the principal street, through the smoke and gas 
fumes, over fallen walls and other debris in our path. 
We passed the first aid station, where the seriously in- 
jured received first aid treatment before being taken 
to the hospital in the rear. Across the street, in a 
court yard, stood a number of ambulances, the drivers 
already in their seats ready to dash to the trenches 
when the command was given. Many had donned 
their gas masks while awaiting the signal to go. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 63 

"As we made our way up the winding streets we 
passed the home of Magda Laurent, the aged Made- 
moiselle who had long made her home in the village. 
The doors and window of the little stone house were 
closed but the occupant had not deserted her home — 
she had simply sought shelter in the cellar. Shells 
did not frighten her any more. 

"The church had been struck a number of times. 
One shell had gone completely through the edifice, 
wrecking a statue of the Virgin. Shells were falling 
in the French cemetery in the rear of the church and 
in the region where the American soldiers were buried. 
We went to the quarters occupied by the central. There, 
in a dugout, we found Platzer, the missing linesman, 
telling a thrilling story of how he had left his com- 
panions in the trench and made faster time up the 
road than an ambulance, which failed to keep pace with 
him. Lieutenant Perry gazed at him steadily for al- 
most a minute, then — it is better not to relate what 
he said. 

"At 1 o'clock all the linesmen available were assigned 
to repairing lines in the vicinity of the village, but they 
found it impossible to perform the task, owing to the 
heavy bombardment. As in the case at other points, 
it was quite clear that new wire must be strung, as the 
old lines were literally cut to fragments, the pieces 
still hanging to the remaining short poles. 

"Late that afternoon we returned to Rambuecourt 
by a circuitous route. During the day a heavy charge 
of explosives were kept beneath the instruments in 
central, and in case the Germans should break through 
the apparatus would have been destroyed. In the even- 
ing, it was thought best to remove the instruments to 
a point in the rear, and this was done by loading them 



64 RANGING IN FRANCE 

on a truck. The next morning the instruments were re- 
turned and reinstalled. 

"At Rambuecourt, the same evening, Lieutenant 
Perry announced that the signal corps had no com- 
munication between Rambuecourt and Xivray, and 
he had offered the use of our lines to the infantry. 
Our wires were strung to regimental headquarters in 
Rambuecourt, and they immediately got in touch with 
the men in the front line at Xivray. No other linesmen 
being available, we were assigned to the work of keep- 
ing these lines in working order. *At any cost' was 
the order given regarding the maintenance of the 
lines. 

"The next morning, we again journeyed to Mandres, 
where we assisted in constructing a new trunk line 
to replace the one that had been destroyed. During the 
day a large detail was busily engaged digging graves 
for the men who had lost their lives at Seicheprey 
the day before. The bodies were placed in wooden 
boxes and laid side by side in one long grave, just east 
of the French cemetery. 

"When we visited the place, a few days later, I 
counted over 80 newly made mounds, with a wooden 
cross at the head of each — and the identification tag 
invariably bore the inscription, * 102nd Infantry.' " 

During the month of May the enemy was compara- 
tively quiet in the Lorraine sector, confining himself to 
shelling battery positions, roads and villages, along the 
front at intervals and sending small raiding parties 
into the American lines, which were always preceded 
by a barrage at the point on which he expected to make 
the raid. The 26th Division sent many successful 




RIOD 
THE 



WITHOUT RELIEF. 
SMALL PICTURE. 



SCENES IN THE VILLAGE 
OF RAMBUECOURT, OP- 
POSITE M O N T SEC. 
THE LEFT LINES STA- 
TION OF S. R. S. NO. 1 
WAS LOCATED HERE 
FROM MARCH 15 UNTIL 
SEPTEMBER 13. A NUM- 
BER OF THE LINES- 
MEN AND OBSERVERS 
REMAINED HERE DUR- 
ING THIS ENTIRE PE- 
WAGONER SAMUEL ENGHOLM SEEN IN 




LEFT TO RIGHT— (II BILLET IN ST. RENOIT, WHERE 25 OFFICERS 
AND MEN OF S. R. S. NO. 1 WERE GASSED ON THE NIGHT OF 
OCTOBER 1. THE HOLE IN THE ROOF, WHERE A GAS SHELL 
OF LARGE CALIBRE PENETRATED. (2) RIGHT OBSERVATION 
POST OF S. R. S. NO. 1, NEAR BENEY. (3) LEFT OBSERVATION 
POST OF S. R. S. NO. 1, IN FRONT OF ST. BENOIT. (4) COR- 
PORAL BRESHEARS CAMOUFLAGING A MICROPHONE. (5) 
CHATEAU ST. BENOIT, WHICH THE GEBMANS DESTROYED 
BY FIRE SOON AFTER THE ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 65 

raiding parties into the enemy lines, returning with 
prisoners on each occasion. 

Everything was working smoothly on S. R. S. 
No. 1. The linesmen at Taylor station had re- 
placed two new microphone positions, which had been 
destroyed during the Seicheprey affair. The lines 
along the entire sector had been put into excellent 
shape. A number of S. R. S. No. 1 men had been 
transferred to S. R. S. No. 3, including Sergeant 
Micheals, Corporal A. J. Breshears and Private Moon. 
Sergeant Roberts was assigned, temporarly, to Section 
No. 3, Private Hinman, later promoted to a Sergeant, 
was placed in charge of the Rambuecourt line station, 
remaining there until the St. Mihiel offensive and 
later located at St. Benoit. There are four other lines- 
men: Harold R. Breshears, Floyd Cox, Arnold Krogh 
and Wesley Cook, who were at the Rambuecourt sta- 
tion, within almost a stone's thrown of No Man's Land, 
from April 1 until the date of the St. Mihiel offensive. 
In speaking of these men Sergeant Hinman said : 

"The value of these four linesmen can never be over- 
estimated. While other men were stationed there at 
different periods, it was this loyal bunch that spent 
over five months under shell fire without a furlough. 
While the Toul front was considered more or less of a 
quiet sector, all points on the Metz-St. Dizier Road 
were intermittently shelled by the enemy. And during 
the entire time we occupied the village, a day never 
passed but that some time during the 24 hours, Fritz 
shelled the village or the batteries in its immediate 
vicinity. And never a complaint came from the loyal 
linesmen during that period. The shelling was never 
too great, the night was never too dark, the mud never 



66 RANGING IN FRANCE 

too deep nor the rain too heavy to keep the men in 
the dugouts when the lines Vent out/ 

"And this narrative v^ould not be complete without 
a few words concerning Chester Keece, the popular lit- 
tle cook — and when a member of the army's culi- 
nary department is popular, he must certainly be a 
general favorite. Hot cakes for breakfast, and while 
a good dinner was always served to the boys, Reece 
put over a supper fit for a king. The kings were usu- 
ally in the form of officers from central, who often 
made it a point to arrive at Rambuecourt about eating 
time. The menu would usually consist of beef steak, 
brown gravy, French fried potatoes, biscuits and pie, 
made from canned peaches or apricots, purchased from 
the Y. M. C. A., or the commissary at Mandres." 

Rumors were afloat in May on the Lorraine front 
that the Allies were planning a big offensive, caused 
by the fact that many troops were brought here about 
that time. It appeared later, however, that an attack 
from the Germans on this sector was imminent and the 
Allies were making preparations to withstand the as- 
sault. The attack was made by the Germans in June 
when forces started over in the vicinity of Xivray. 

The month of May, however, was featured by much 
aeroplane activity, battles between German and Allied 
planes occurring daily. One of the most interesting 
of these aerial contests was witnessed on the morning 
of the 27th. Four French planes were observed high 
in the air, bound southward over Rambuecourt. They 
could only be seen now and then through the light, 
fleecy clouds. A few minutes later the familiar hum 
of the French motor was audible in the distance. The 
Boche turned immediately and made for their own 
lines. It was late, however, for the five Americans 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 67 

were upon them and the rattle of the machine guns in 
the clouds indicated that the battle was on. Only a 
glimpse now and then could be secured from below. 

Suddenly one of the American planes started down 
— it was falling. The engine was silent and the pilot 
appeared to be steering his machine toward the Metz- 
St. Dizier Road, near Rambuecourt. When within a 
few hundred feet of the ground, the pilot swung to 
the left and landed just east of the village, but 150 yards 
north of the camouflaged road, between Rambuecourt 
and Beaumont, in full view of the German observation 
posts on Mont Sec. The plane struck the ground 
squarely, but a wheel hit a shell hole and the machine 
turned completely over. This within 30 yards of 
''Davie," or microphone No. 4. Immediately the 
stretcher-bearers from the first-aid station in the east 
end of the village rushed to the assistance of the in- 
jured aviator. He was found to be severely injured, 
but not fatally. He was conscious. He had been shot 
through one of his legs with a dum dum bullet, and the 
the flesh was badly lacerated. According to the pilot's 
story he had been cut off from his companions and 
forced to battle with three enemy planes. His machine 
gun became jammed and his engine put out of com- 
mission. Although suffering intensely, he kept his 
presence of mind and would have landed safely had 
he not struck the shell hole in his path. His game- 
ness was evidenced when upon being placed in the 
ambulance, he said: 

'T\\ get one of the yet.'' 

Noting one of their companions had fallen, the other 
American aviators pressed the fight, and had the sat- 
isfaction of dropping two of the enemy planes within 



68 RANGING IN FRANCE 

the American lines, one several kilometers to the east 
and the other to the west of Rambuecourt. 

The dropping of the Allied plane within the Ameri- 
can lines, meant trouble for the linesmen at Rambue- 
court. Within 20 minutes after the plane had fallen, 
Fritz began shelling that immediate vicinity, with the 
intention of destroying the machine, and to harass any 
one who might attempt to remove it from the field. 
As a result of the shelling, the announcement soon came 
from central that ''Davie was sick," meaning that the 
line to the microphone was out. Two men from the 
station repaired the break, finding it within a few 
yards of the microphone and, of course, very close to 
the disabled plane. The German gun was firing at 
about two-minute intervals and it was between the 
shots that a hasty splice was made. But the trouble 
was not over. Ten minutes later the road crossing 
was wrecked by a 77 and the linesmen had a perilous 
task in replacing it, as the artillery action increased, 
with less time between the rounds. Many times dur- 
ing the afternoon the lines were broken. After dark 
a wrecking party came out from the aviation field 
near Toul and removed the aeroplane, taking it back 
for repairs. 

It was about this time that the Sound Ranging ob- 
servers in Xivray moved to a post in the east end of the 
village, which had been given up by the French. This 
proved an excellent home for the men, as they had been 
compelled to put up with many inconveniences in the 
first location. When the observers first took up their 
abode in the village on the edge of No Man's Land, 
the post was in front of the town and only a few yards 
back of the front line trench. The post was located in 
a building partially destroyed by shell fire, and the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 69 

dugout, where the observers slept and stayed when 
not on duty, was 50 yards in the rear. The observers 
at Xivray at the time were Sergeants Bradshaw and 
Hopkins, Corporal Hartley and Privates Nave, Nelson 
and Jaynes. Many amusing incidents are told con- 
cerning the early work of the Sound Rangers. While 
the dugouts proved the best protection against the 
shells. Private Nelson preferred to sleep on top dur- 
ing favorable weather, rather than inhale the fumes 
of Corporal Hartley's pipe. 

Sergeant Bradshaw's favorite pastime was to 
empty his automatic at the venturesome cats, prowling 
through the ruins and in the communication and old 
support trenches. For this innocent amusement, Brad- 
shaw was arrested regularly every eight days, or when- 
ever a new company came into the village. When 
taken before the P. C. the Sergeant would explain his 
position by stating he was unaware of any regulation 
prohibiting the shooting at cats, but was glad to know 
that such regulation existed. He was always excused 
by promising to observe this order in the future. 

The position occupied later by the Sound Ranging 
observers was ideal in every respect. It was con- 
structed by the French in 1915 — a concrete tower, 
with walls six feet wide, within a three-story building. 
It was approximately 40 feet high and afforded an 
excellent view of No Man's Land and the German 
territory. From this position the flash of the enemy 
guns from the muzzle was visible in many cases. The 
sleeping quarters of the observers were on the second 
floor of the tower. For several days prior to the attack 
on Xivray, the Germans directed their fire on the 
communication lines, especially between Xivray and 
Rambuecourt. The lines were kept in repair at the 



70 RANGING IN FRANCE 

expense of much time and labor on the part of the 
linesmen. It was at last decided to maintain the ob- 
servation post in Xivray only during the day time, the 
observers operating from a post in Rambuecourt at 
night. This change was made June 6, and was due 
to the expected attack of the Boche. 

Captain Bazzoni also received orders to move the 
central farther to the rear and a new location, approxi- 
mately three kilometers in the woods, south of Ram- 
buecourt was chosen. The lines were changed on June 
10, the warmest day experienced thus far in France. 
Everyone in the section was pressed into service for 
the work. It was anything but an easy task. The 
section of the country through which we strung the 
lines was of a swampy nature and infested by the 
largest and most ferocious flies that any of the boys 
had ever encountered. Big green fellows that drew 
blood each time they came in contact with human flesh. 
The intense heat added to the suffering of those en- 
gaged in the work. 

On June 13, the 26th Division abandoned the 
trenches at Xivray and took up a position in a support 
trench, half way between the Rupt de Mad and Xivray, 
not over a kilometer in advance of the Metz-St. Dizier 
Road. The plans of the infantry caused the Sound 
Ranging Section to move the left observation post to a 
position in the same trench held by the infantry. The 
post was established opposite Mont Sec. 

The Battle of Xivray. 

The second attack of the Germans on the American 
troops in the Toul sector was launched early on the 
morning of June 16, the purpose of the enemy un- 
doubtedly being to get possession of the famous high- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 71 

way, and ultimately Toul, if the first move was suc- 
cessful. Rambuecourt appeared to be the point at 
which the enemy expected to strike as it was in front 
of the village that the enemy first clashed with the 
American forces in the trenches. 

The 103rd Infantry was holding the trenches at 
the time, and like the gallant 102nd at Seicheprey, up- 
held the honor of the New England Division. But 
''Hidenburg's Traveling Circus" did not have even the 
success in this assault as it had at Seicheprey, as the 
attack was a complete failure, although planned on a 
larger scale. Over 6000 shock troops had been brought 
to a point near Mont Sec for the affair, but probably 
not over one-fourth of this number reached the Ameri- 
can trenches, as the slaughter of the first and second 
waves convinced the enemy that further attempt to 
take the coveted position was folly. 

At 3:30 on the morning of June 16, Fritz opened 
with a violent artillery action from Buconville to the 
Bois du Jury. In the barrage the Germans used much 
heavier artillery than at any time since the Americans 
had held the sector. It can be stated with authority 
that it was the heaviest barrage the Germans ever 
put over while the Americans occupied the Toul sector. 
Rambuecourt was the target for a wicked 210 Howitzer 
that crumbled the remaining walls, caved in the dug- 
outs, and tore great holes in the streets. One shell 
struck the large chateau in the west end of the village, 
wrecking the center of it, leaving the ends of the 
building standing. It also buried a number of 
men who were billeted there. The Y. M. C. A. was 
located in the chateau, but was closed at that hour of 
the morning. When daylight came the streets in that 
end of the village were strewn with American dead. 



72 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Just at dawn and during a heavy fog, the enemy- 
infantry attacked. The first wave, composed of ap- 
proximately 500 men, struck on the right of Xivray, 
in the trenches held by the Americans. As soon as 
the gray forms of the Germans loomed up through the 
fog, a stream of fire flashed from the American 
trenches and the sharp clatter of rifles and machine 
guns indicated that the enemy had been discovered. 
The Germans had succeeded in placing a machine gun 
just outside of the wire entanglement and soon were 
sweeping the parapet of the American trench. An 
American machine gun crew deliberately placed the 
piece upon the parapet of the trench and the German 
ranks melted away beneath the fire, while the rem- 
nants broke and fell back further into No Man's Land 
and to their own trenches. But 83 dead were 
left by the enemy just beyond the American wire 
entanglements. 

The second wave struck at the village of Xivray, 
held by a machine gun company. In the village the 
Germans encountered a deadly fire. Some of the Ger- 
mans succeeded in getting into the village, but were 
either killed or captured. One of the Germans taken 
prisoner, stated that 500 had made the assault and 
ended with, "guess you got 'em all." 

Two hours later the Germans' artillery opened again 
and the trenches and Xivray received another baptism 
of shell fire and gas. In many places the sides of the 
trench crumbled and collapsed. Sergeant Hopkins and 
Corporal Hartley were the observers on duty. No 
longer able to be of service, owing to the severing of 
the lines, the men sought protection in a dugout. For 
fully an hour the bombardment continued. Trenches 
were demolished and dugouts caved in during the hail 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 73 

of shells, but the observers fortunately escaped un- 
injured. 

It was expected that the second bombardment would 
be followed by another assault, but evidently the Ger- 
mans had no desire to again face the Yankee guns. 
Nevertheless, every preparation was made to repulse 
the enemy in case he should again attack. At Rambue- 
court, less than a kilometer behind the line, the troops 
were "standing to,'* with fixed bayonets. Under the 
command of Lieutenant Perry, the Sound Rangers sta- 
tioned there were in support with rifles and belts filled 
with ammunition. At its new location in the woods, 
central had its share of shell fire. During the early 
hours of the morning long range guns of large calibre 
hurled gas and high explosives into the woods and, 
owing to the intense artillery action it was deemed ad- 
visable to load the apparatus onto a truck and take it to 
the rear. It was returned later in the afternoon and 
the lines repaired. The base was soon in operation 
again. It was on this occasion that Divisional Head- 
quarters at Boucq was shelled, and frantic appeals 
emanated from that point to the observation posts to 
locate without delay the gun that was using the Gen- 
eral's abode for a target. 

A good story is told by one of the Sound Rangers, 
who was in Boucq when the Germans were dropping 
the projectiles into the town. One of the shells, ac- 
cording to the story, struck a mule and exploded, smear- 
ing the animal all over the street. A "doughboy," a 
few yards away was knocked down by the concussion, 
but otherwise uninjured. A Y. M. C. A. man rushed 
up to him. 

"My poor man, are you hurt?" the secretary asked. 



74 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"Hell no," replied the "doughboy," wiping the dirt 
from his face, "but you ought to see that mule." 

The months of July and August passed quietly on 
this section of the front, desultory firing on the Ameri- 
can batteries, roads and villages, with an occasional 
barrage, which usually preceded a raid at some point 
on the line, comprising the enemy activities during 
that period. The Americans carried out much the 
same program, this being at the period of the fighting 
at Chateau-Thierry and later the Allied offensive in 
that region. 

During this time the Sound Kangers at central 
were busily engaged in excavating for a large dugout, 
which was to be the home for the apparatus and the 
computers, as well as to afford protection for all the 
men stationed there. And it was here that Acting 
First Sergeant Drummond (now Lieutenant) was 
placed in a position that lost for him a little of his 
popularity. For it fell to him to arrange the detail 
for the work on the dugout, which was not a pleasant 
task during those warm days, to say the least. The 
dugout was completed just in time to abandon it fol- 
lowing the St. Mihiel offensive. 

Captain Bazonni still retained his headquarters at 
Mandres, where Sergeant Taylor and an efficient 
force of linesmen were stationed. It was about this 
time that Captain Bazonni took command of all the 
Sound Ranging Sections then in operation and Lieu- 
tenant Van Vechtan was put in command of Section 
No. 1. Mandres from that date until the close of the 
war was Sound Ranging Headquarters, where men 
coming to the front from the school at Fort de St. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 75 

Menge were brought before assigned to one of the 
sections in operation. 

During the last week in June, the 26th Division 
was relieved by the 82nd, the first National Army 
Division to go to the Toul sector. It was with regret 
that the Sound Rangers witnessed the departure of the 
boys of the 26th, who later won great honors at Cha- 
teau Thierry and in the Argonne Forest. The 82nd 
was known as the Ail-American Division. The name 
was fitting, however, for it was composed of every 
type to be found in the United States. The division 
secured its final training during the weeks they were 
in this quiet sector, a training which later proved of 
great value to these troops. While there was no gen- 
eral activity on the American front during the sum- 
mer, Fritz continued to harass daily, certain points 
along the front. Accuracy of the German artillery on 
American positions near Mont Sec, was marvelous. It 
appeared to be no difficult task for *'01d Betsy,'* as 
one of the enemy batteries had been dubbed, to hit the 
main street in Rambuecourt whenever suited the fancy 
of the Boche artillerymen to try it. 

And at last the enemy located the line station's 
kitchen, and a few days later Chester Reece, the popu- 
lar little cook, was seriously injured by shell frag- 
ments. He was in the kitchen at the time, mixing 
dough for pie to be served for supper. The kitchen 
was located in a frame building back of a stone wall. 
Over 80 shell fragments went through the side of the 
shack, Reece receiving some severe wounds in the arms 
and back. After this casualty the kitchen was moved 
to a nearby dugout and Platzer, assisted by De Petro, 
assumed the responsibility of satisfying the appetites 
of the observers and linesmen at Rambuecourt. 



76 RANGING IN FRANCE 

The 82nd Division was relieved by the 89th Divi- 
sion, National Army troops from Kansas and Mis- 
souri. A finer body of men never went to the front. 
Excellent officers, well-disciplined men, they made a 
creditable showing, from the first day they went into 
the trenches. They occupied the front for several 
weeks prior to the St. Mihiel drive. By successful 
raids into the enemy territory, the men captured many 
prisoners, from whom important information regard- 
ing enemy movements was secured. Soon after com- 
ing to the front a large number were gassed in the 
Bois du Jury, a regrettable feature of the Division's 
stay on the Toul sector. 

Thus has been told the trend of events in Lorraine 
prior to the great American offensive. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 77 



CHAPTER IV. 

CHATEAU THIERRY 

France tvill never forget that it was at the moment 
when the struggle ivas at its hardest that the valiant 
American troops joined in with ours, — Clemenceau, 

I have come to tell you that the American people 
would consider it a great honor for our troops to be 
engaged in the present battle; I ask you for this in their 
name and my own. Infantry, artillery, aviation, all 
that we have is yours; use it as you wish. More will 
come in numbers equxil to requirements. I have come 
especially to tell you that the American people will be 
proud to take part in the greatest and finest battle of 
history. — General Pershing to Marshal Foch. 

Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers of 
the American Army: 

Shoulder to shoulder with your French comrades, 
you threw yourselves into the counter-offensive begun 
on July 18th. You ran to it as if going to a feast. Your 
magnificent dash upset and surprised the enemy, and 
your indomitable tenacity stopped counter attacks by 
his fresh divisions. You have shown yourselves to be 
worthy sons of your great country and have gained the 
admiration of uour brothers in arms. Ninety-one can- 
non, 7,200 prisoners, immense booty, and ten kilometers 
of reconquered territory are your share of the trophies 
of this victory. Besides this, you have acquired a feel- 
ing of superiority over the barbarian enemy against 
whom the children of Liberty are fighting. To attack 
him is to vanquish him. American comrades, I am 
grateful to you for the blood you generously spilled on 
the soil of my country. I am proud of having com- 
manded you during such splendid days, and to have 



78 RANGING IN PRANCE 

fought with you for the deliverance of the world, — 
General Joseph Mangin. 

To F. R. S. No. 1 goes the credit of participating in 
more engagements and covering more territory during 
the war than any other section of Flash or Sound. This 
despite the fact that the section was not formed until 
several weeks after the first Sound Ranging Section 
was organized. 

It was on February 19 that five American Flash 
Rangers in charge of Lieutenant Wright left the Amer- 
ican Flash and Sound Ranging school at Fort de St. 
Menge for the American sector northwest of Toul. 
Upon arriving at their destination they were assigned 
to the French Flash Ranging section for further in- 
struction. The enlisted men were : Sergeant Brewster, 
and Privates Chambers, Cotton, Hinton and J. C. Bald- 
win. On March 18 five more men were sent from the 
school to join the others with the French. This small 
detachment was in command of Lieutenant C. L. Huel- 
ing, and included the following: Sergeant Howe, and 
Privates Schroeder, J. C. Berry, A. L. Baldwin, and C. 
Castruccio. 

On arriving with the French Flash Rangers the 
Americans were placed at different points in the sec- 
tor to receive the best training possible. All were as- 
signed to observation work with the exception of Pri- 
vate Schroeder, who volunteered for line work. He later 
became very proficient in this branch. 

Soon after coming to the front. Private Castruccio 
had the misfortune to receive a severe wound from a 
shell fragment. He was accompanied by Sergeant 
Brewster at the time, and both had a narrow escape in 
the barrage that caught them back of the artillery po- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 79 

sition near Dead Man's Curve. This was the first cas- 
ualty in the Flash and Sound. 

The first ten Flash Rangers were able to be of 
much assistance to the infantry and artillery during 
the battle of Seicheprey on April 20, an account of 
which is given in another chapter. 

About April 1, a number of other Flash Rangers ar- 
rived on the front, from the school, and were assigned 
to S. R. S. No. 2 until F. R. S. No. 1 was organized. 

The first Flash Ranging Section, with Captain Ly- 
man in command, began operations on the American 
front during the first week in May. The base extended 
from Fort Louisville, on the heights of the Meuse, to 
the Bois du Jury, covering approximately 15 kilometers 
or practically the entire American sector north of Toul. 
The headquarters of the section was at Boucq and the 
central at Broussy. The officers, in addition to Cap- 
tain Lyman, were Lieutenants Ross, Wright, Hueling 
and Newkirk. 

Observation Post No. 1 was located in the Bois du 
Jury, with Sergeant Baldwin in charge. Post No. 2 
was at Beaumont in charge of Sergeant Brewster. 
Post No. 3 was at Broussy in charge of Sergeant Wat- 
ers, with Sergeant Colt at No. 4 Post, at Liouville. 
While it is hardly worth while to mention the work of 
the section during the early days, owing to the fact 
that this was a quiet period on the front, it is sufficient 
to say that the experience gained there was of much 
value later when the officers and men got into areas of 
real activity. 

A month after the establishing of the section, the 
emergency arose at Chateau-Thierry, at which time 
American troops were thrown in to aid in halting the 
invading Huns in their drive on Paris. 



80 RANGING IN FRANCE 

In organizing the first American units to engage 
in actual hostilities, the high command found a need 
for the new branches of the service, and the Flash 
Rangers were withdrawn from the American front, 
preparatory to going to the new field of action, upon 
which the attention of the entire world was turned at 
that time. 

From Broussy, the section went to Fort de St. 
Menge for reorganization and additional equipment. 

It was on June 12th that the Flash Rangers reached 
the great salient which the Germans had formed in 
their attempt to cross the Marne at Chateau Thierry. 
The section took up a position on the left of the salient, 
to the west of Chateau Thierry, and opposite the Ger- 
man's right flank. The central was established near 
Montreul au Lions in the Bois de Essertis. Four ob- 
servation posts were immediately established, the base 
extending from Le Thiolet to Veuilly. 

The posts were established under the most difficult 
circumstances. The observers suffered the same priva- 
tions as the infantry. The line had not been perma- 
nently established and the locating of the positions to 
be taken up by the observers was not only a difficult 
task, but a perilous one as well. The area was heavily 
shelled and the men, as well as the infantry, had no pro- 
tection, outside of what little the "fox holes" afforded. 

"Pup tents" were put up to provide a shelter from 
the rain which continued to fall in torrents for several 
days. And for a period of almost a week the men were 
compelled to confine themselves to "monkey meat" and 
hard tack, as no other rations were available. 

This trying period came immediately after the 2nd 
and 3rd American Divisions had repulsed the Germans 
at Chateau Thierry, the enemy having pushed from 




SCENES IN THE VILLAGE OF VAUX, 
TAKEN BY AMERICAN TROOPS BE- 
FORE THE GENERAL ATTACK NEAR 
CHATEAU-THIERRY. 




THE CITY OF CHATEAU-THIERRY AND THE RUINS OF THE 
FAMOUS BRIDGE ACROSS THE MARNE RIVER. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 81 

Chemin des Dames to the Marne, covering a period ex- 
tending from May 28 to June 2. While the reader is 
no doubt familiar with this important part of the 
world history — considered one of the most critical 
periods of the Great War — a brief description is neces- 
sary in order to show what part Flash Ranging took in 
the stirring events that followed. It must also be re- 
membered that S. R. S. No. 2 was also operating dur- 
ing the same period to the left of Chateau Thierry, an 
account of its work being given in another chapter. 

Breaking the allied line along the famous ridge of 
the Cremin des Dames, the Seventh German army, un- 
der General von Boehn operating toward Soissons and 
to the east and west of it; and the First army under 
General F. von Buelow advancing to the east of the 
Seventh army, were able to push rapidly on toward the 
Marne, the weary British and French retreating before 
them. Despite the stubborn resistance of the Allies, the 
advancing horde of Germans pushed onward, taking 
Soissons and Fere-in-Tardeois, and threatening the 
great railway center of Rheims, making it very dif- 
ficult for the Allies to hold. Finally the enemy was 
able to spread out directly toward the French capital, 
across the open and level country between the Marne 
and the Ourcq rivers. By June 1, the Germans had ad- 
vanced to within 70 kilometers of Paris at the nearest 
point, and still possessed all the advantage of the in- 
itiative. The western face of the salient, of course, of- 
fered the best opportunity for a point to center an at- 
tack by the Germans, they having a front of approxi- 
mately 75 kilometers from which to choose. 

Such was the situation when Marshal Foch threw 
in his reserve division to check the drive of the enemy. 
Among the reserve divisions were the 2nd and 3rd 



82 RANGING IN FRANCE 

American Divisions. It was the American divisions 
w^hich Marshal Foch assigned to the positions of the 
greatest danger, and in doing so he expressed his faith 
in these troops. The 2nd Division v^as in command of 
Major-General Omar Bundy, and, v^hen getting the 
order to move immediately to Chateau Thierry, was in 
rest billets at Chaumont-en-Vexin, northwest of Paris. 
This was on the afternoon of May 30, but by the early 
morning of June 1, the greater number of the troops 
had detrained and were advancing beyond Montreuil- 
aux-Lions, the point where a few days later the central 
for the Flash Ranging Section was established. This 
is a small village on the Paris-Metz road, 10 kilometers 
west of Chateau Thierry. 

Conditions could hardly have been worse for the 
Allies when the Americans went into the line. On the 
left, the French were badly outnumbered, and had be- 
come exhausted and discouraged from long fighting 
and marching. 

It was quite evident that the Americans must es- 
tablish defensive positions at once, and that night they 
went in all along the line. The 9th Infantry was in 
from Bonneil, near the Marne, southwest of Chateau 
Thierry to Le Thiolet, on the Paris-Metz road, whence 
the 6th Marines extended to Lucy-le-Bocage, and the 
23rd operating temporarily under the 43rd French Div- 
ision, continued the line to the Bois de Veuilly. The 
Germans, finding the French had been reinforced by 
the Americans, did not attack until June 3, when they 
drove against the line from Montcourt, near the Marne, 
clear up to Chezy-en-Orxois, five kilometers northwest 
of the Bois Veuilly, in an effort to crush the 2nd United 
States and 43rd French Divisions at once. The 5th 
Marines had reached the front by this time ; also three 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 83 

regiments of Brigadier-General William Chamberlain's 
2nd Field Artillery brigade. Thus the enemy was 
stopped everywhere on the American front, for the time 
being, in the valley of the Ru Gobert. 

While the 2nd Division was engaged with the enemy 
on the left side of the salient, the 3rd Division had been 
assigned to the defense of the passages of the Marne 
from Chateau Thierry to Dormans. The 3rd Division 
was commanded by Major-General Joseph T. Dickman. 
Unlike the first, it did not do its fighting as a body, the 
5th Infantry Brigade consisting of the 4th and 7th In- 
fantry and the 8th Machine Gun Battalion. Brigadier- 
General Charles Crawford, commander of the 6th In- 
fantry Brigade, was given one of his infantry regi- 
ments (the 38th) and half his machine gun battalion 
(the 9th), and instructed to hold the crossings of the 
Marne from Dormans east to Damery. The remainder 
of the 6th Brigade, namely, the 30th Infantry and half 
the 9th Machine Gun Battalion, was placed in support 
of the 5th Brigade, while the divisional machine gun 
battalion, the 7th, was ordered to Chateau Thierry. 

When the 7th Machine Gun Battalion marched into 
the streets of Chateau Thierry after its 36 hours of 
weary marching, the town was under heavy shell fire, 
and the Germans were advancing in the streets on the 
opposite side of the Marne. It was here that the bat- 
tle raged for 96 hours. The machine gunners hastilj'' 
found positions for their pieces which enabled them to 
sweep the main bridge in the village spanning the 
Marne. Then the invading hordes attempted to rush 
the bridge, but failed under the withering fire of the 
American machine gunners. Again and again was the 
attempt made, but to no avail. The 7th Machine Gun 
Battalion was relieved on the morning of June 4, 



84 RANGING IN FRANCE 

heavy reinforcements arriving from the French and 
American forces. 

While the enemy had been halted on his drive to- 
ward Paris, he was in possession of strong points on 
the left side of the Ru Gk>bert, so that the Americans 
were under observation and were being constantly 
shelled. It was therefore necessary that the Germans 
be pushed back from their advantageous position. By 
that time the enemy was employing at least 300,000 
men on the whole front of the offensive. 

Early on the morning of June 6, the 1st and 3rd 
Battalion of the 5th Marines charged through the 
woodlands on the hill crests north of Champillon with 
the object of taking the edges of these woods and crests 
looking down into the open valley about Torcy and 
Bussiares. The machine gun fire was intense, but the 
objective was gained. 

The pushing forward of the left of the 2nd Division 
made it necessary that the center should be brought up 
also in the direction of Belleau village and Bouresches. 
The 5th and 6th Marines were given this task, and how 
well they succeeded is familiar history to all patriotic 
Americans. The assault was launched at 5 P. M., and 
all throughout the night, in the thickets of the Bois 
de Belleau and Bois de Triangle, the lines surged back 
and forth in one of the most bitter struggles ever 
fought by American troops. 

In bitter hand-to-hand combat with the Huns, the 
Americans captured the many machine gun nests and 
drove the enemy backward. At 9 o'clock the next morn- 
ing the Americans had pushed into the Bois de Belleau 
as far as the Hill 181, placing the Marines on higher 
ground than the enemy. 

For several weeks the fighting continued, this pe- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 85 

riod later proving to be the turning point of the Great 
War. 

It was at this time that F. R. S. No. 1 was estab- 
lished and was soon able to furnish important informa- 
tion to the Intelligence Department. The 2nd Division 
was operating directly before the observation post of 
the Flash Rangers and they were in a position to render 
valuable service, not only in providing data on enemy 
artillery, but on machine gun nests, infantry move- 
ments, etc. Three posts were constantly under shell 
fire. The enemy appeared to be firing directly at the 
slits in the posts, as on numerous occasions the equip- 
ment was blown to atoms, the observers barely escaping 
with their lives. 

The lines of communication were constantly cut, and 
were kept in shape only by the heroic work of the lines- 
men. 

The section was operating smoothly when the Amer- 
icans decided to make the attack on Vaux, and from 
their posts the observers were able to note the activity, 
giving valuable information during the attack regard- 
ing the movements of the enemy, as well as information 
regarding the effectiveness of our artillery fire and the 
progress of the American troops. 

The village of Vaux was situated in the little valley 
between the famous Hill 204, taken by the French and 
Americans on June 7-8, and the positions north of the 
Bois de la Morette, taken by the 9th Infantry at the 
same time. The cluster of stone houses comprising the 
village were nothing more or less than enemy fortresses 
armed with German machine guns. The cellars were 
bomb-proof, sheltering thousands of infantrymen. 

The village was a dangerous salient in the American 
lines and from this point the enemy was able to sweep 



86 RANGING IN FRANCE 

with his fire the points held by the United States 
troops. It was, therefore, of the utmost importance 
that the village be taken, and following an intense bom- 
bardment which continued for one hour and thirty min- 
utes, the assault went over the top at 6 o'clock, July 1, 
on a front of two kilometers. In 15 minutes the first 
wave had reached the streets of the village, and at 6 :30 
it was completely taken. 

On the morning of July 15 the Germans launched 
what proved to be their last offensive. At the conclu- 
sion of their offensive to the Marne, which practically 
ended on June 5, the Germans rested for a period of 
over four weeks to replenish their divisions which had 
been used up in the fighting on the Marne. According 
to the best information secured by the Allied Intel- 
ligence Service, 63 enemy divisions had been refitted, 
reinforced and rested behind the lines. Of this number, 
18 divisions were in the front line two days before the 
drive started in the salient. 

The time which the Germans took to prepare for the 
last and final effort also gave the Allied forces an op- 
portunity to bring up a mass of reserve to meet the at- 
tack that was imminent. 

Owing to the rapidity with which the Americans 
were coming over, and to the efforts of the French and 
British, the Allies were able to assemble no less than 
72 divisions in reserve. Through its Intelligence Serv- 
ice the Allied command knew the time, the place and 
the strength of the' attack which was to be delivered on 
the right of the salient, or east of Chateau Thierry, on 
the morning of July 15. However, the entire front from 
Soissons to Rheims was under a heavy bombardment 
of high explosive and gas shells. 

Marshal Foch, by the accurate information secured 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 87 

through the Intelligence Section, was able to throw just 
enough troops in the line on the right to hold the en- 
emy, holding the other divisions for the blow which 
was to be struck on the left face of the salient. In re- 
pulsing the enemy attack the 42nd American Division, 
in a sector of the Champagne battle front, and the 3rd 
American Division, supported by the 28th American 
Division south of the Marne, east of Chateau Thieriy, 
each achieved glorious victories during these critical 
days. 

It was on the morning of July 18, when the Ger- 
mans had involved approximately 50 divisions in the 
attempt to break through on the eastern side of the 
Marne salient, that Marshal Foch attacked on the west 
side of the salient where the German forces were not 
heavily massed. Should the Allies' forces meet with 
success here it would enable them to cut the communi- 
cations to the German divisions on the eastern side 
fighting desperately to break through in their attempt 
to reach Paris. By flanking the enemy this would 
either crush his forces in the salient or force them to 
retreat under the most difficult conditions. 

It was exactly at 4 :35 on the morning of the 18th 
that the Americans launched their attack, directly in 
front of that part of the sector in which F. R. S. No. 1 
was operating. A description of the attack is given by 
one of the forward observers, who was on duty at his 
post at the time : 

"Being connected with the Intelligence Section, we 
were more or less aware of the fact that an Allied of- 
fensive was imminent, but were taken absolutely by 
surprise by the manner in which it was executed. The 
assault was preceded by no artillery fire, and at dawn 
we could make out the uniforms of olive drab and hor- 



88 RANGING IN FRANCE 

izon blue advancing on the village of Hautevenes. At 
8 o'clock the troops took the town, and we continued to 
keep headquarters informed as to the progress of the 
infantry and the effect of the enemy artillery and 
machine gun fire. The enemy along the whole line 
threw a withering barrage on the American infantry, 
but they pushed ahead." 

By nightfall the Allied troops had broken through 
the German trench system to an average depth of four 
kilometers and had taken approximately 18,000 pris- 
oners and 250 guns. From the first day until the Allies 
had pushed the enemy back to the heights above the 
Vesle, the drive continued. The Germans, by the 20th, 
had given up their attack on the Champagne front as 
hopeless and were withdrawing as many troops as 
possible from there. 

The positions of the various divisions of the Allied 
forces on the morning of the 18th, and which partici- 
pated in the attack were, from left to right : 1st, 2nd, 
and 26th American Divisions. The 1st and 2nd Div- 
isions were a short distance south of the Aisne and 
formed with the 20th corps of the 10th French army. 
North of the 20th Corps, four divisions of the 1st 
French army, extending to the Aisne, formed the ex- 
treme left flank of the attack. On the east side of the 
salient the American division on the line was the 26th 
and 3rd. 

On the morning of the 21st, the Flash Ranging 
posts were called in, as the lines had advanced too far 
to be of any assistance. The section then moved up to 
Souillard Farm, and three posts were established. The 
observation work was carried on for two days and 
nights, and then another move became necessary. 

It was during the period that the lines were being 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 8ft 

strung to the observation posts, that Private Fred Hop- 
kins, one of the efficient linesmen, was severely in- 
jured. Under the direction of Lieutenant Newkirk, 
lines officer, Hopkins and a number of other linesmen 
were running a line to one of the observation posts. 
The enemy opened up with artillery action in the area 
in which the men were working, and Hopkins was 
struck in the back with a shell fragment. Lieutenant 
Newkirk and other men in the section went to his as- 
sistance and he was carried to a first aid station, from 
which point he was taken to a hospital. The wounds 
proved to be serious, and the lad laid for nine long 
months in the hospital. It will be remembered that 
Hopkins was a member of the raiding party that cut 
the electrified wire cable in front of Loupmont, on the 
old American sector, in April. His cheerful disposition 
made him a favorite in the section. He never fully re- 
covered from the wounds, but is improving at his home 
in the state of Idaho. 

It was here that the Germans dropped over the 
following propaganda, inside our lines, from balloons 
used for that purpose. The paper was printed in Eng- 
lish: 

THE BETTER PART OF VALOR 

Are you a brave man or a coward? 

It takes a brave man to stand up for his principles. Cowards 
stand behind leaders and die, imagining that by so doing they 
become heroes. 

The motive of an act is its measure. If you think the War 
is Hell and that as a citizen of the United States of America you 
have no business to be fighting in France for England, you are 
a coward to stay with it. If you had the courage to face criticism 
you would get out and over the top in no time where there is a 
likelihood that you would see home again. 

What business is this war in Europe to you, anyway? You 
don't want to annex anything in Europe, do you? You don't want 
to give up life for that abstract thing, humanity? 

If you believe in humanity and that life is precious, save 



90 RANGING IN FRANCE 

your own life and dedicate it to the service of your own country 
and the woman who deserves it of you. 

Lots of you fellows are staying with it because you are too 
cowardly to protest — to assert your own wills. Your wills are 
the best judges of what it is best for you to do. Don't ask any- 
one's opinion as to what you had better do. You know best what 
is the right thing to do. Do it and save your life. 

Germany never did any harm to you. All the newspaper 
tales of wrongs are printed to inflame you to the fighting pitch. 
They are lies. You know you can't believe what you read in 
the papers. 

If you stay with the outfit, ten chances to one, all you will 
get out of it will be a tombstone in France. 

It was about this time that Private Claude Har- 
reschou, of Seaside, Oregon, is said to have featured 
in an amusing incident. Private Harreschou, who was 
later promoted to a sergeant, was one of the observers 
in the section and, according to the story, Major- 
General Edwards, commanding the 26th Division, was 
near the position of the post held by Harreschou. From 
his position General Edwards was directing an attack 
on a farmhouse, a German strong point. Between the 
advancing Americans and the farmhouse the observers 
could plainly make out a line of machine gun nests, at 
least ten in number. The observers could see the fig- 
ures of the Germans in the positions they held. 

The American artillery in that section was shelling 
the farmhouse, but the enemy machine guns had 
thus far escaped and were pouring a withering fire 
on the advancing troops. 

Private Harreschou grew nervous. He had turned 
in the information regarding the machine gun nests. 
Why had not the artillery been used to silence them? 

Suddenly the observer, leaving the post in charge 
of his assistant, approached General Edwards. Tap- 
ping the officer on the shoulder, Harreschou, forget- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 91 

ting for a moment everything except that the machine 
gunners were mowing down the Americans, said: 

''Say, if you'll use some artillery on those machine 
gun nests, j^ou'll save a lot of men and also be able to 
take the farmhouse." 

General Edwards turned and, seeing that it was a 
private who had addressed him, rebuked the observer 
for his suggestion. An officer who accompanied the 
General smiled and glanced approvingly at Harreschou, 
who by this time realized his position. He returned to 
his post, but was gratified a few minutes later when 
artillery fire was centered on the machine guns, put- 
ting them out of commission. The farmhouse was then 
taken. 

From Souillard Farm to Epieds was the next move 
made by the section. It was the intention to establish 
the base on the crown of the heights above the Ourcq. 
This was prevented, however, owing to the great activ- 
ity of the enemy artillery. The section withdrew to 
Bezu-St. Germain for a few days, after which it was 
moved to the little village of Beauverdes. Four posts 
were established, commanding the Ourcq. 

The positions afforded an excellent view of the 
enemy territory, and the section was able to render 
invaluable service in locating park tanks, advancing 
enemy tanks as well as directing friendly artillery. It 
was here that the observers saw Seringes and Cergy 
change hands daily, the line surging back and forth, 
the Allies at last winning the victory. 

It was at this time that the 42nd Division, fresh 
from the Champagne sector where they had repulsed 
the Germans, reached the section of the front where 
the Flash Rangers were operating. Confidence was 



92 RANGING IN PRANCE 

more firmly established and the Americans, crossing 
the Ourcq, made rapid progress. The enemy had left 
stiff resistance in the way of machine guns, but these 
once disposed of, the charging Yanks swept on to the 
Vesle. 

Sergeant Brewster and Corporals Chambers and 
Castruccio, under command of Lieutenant Curtis, 
moved forward with the infantry in order to find good 
positions for observation posts and to ascertain if the 
enemy had guns of high calibre on the Vesle — guns of 
150 milimeters or greater; also the nature of their ob- 
jective and location. 

As a result of the careful work of the observers it 
was found that the enemy had such artillery in posi- 
tion to shell our lines and communications. This in- 
formation was of utmost importance, as it gave head- 
quarters an idea of what to expect from the Germans 
on the Vesle. 

Following the first detail, the section was moved 
up and three posts, commanding the Vesle, were estab- 
lished. The central was located at Cherry-Chartreuve. 
This was one of the most advantageous positions the 
section ever held. Not only was it able to give accurate 
information on the enemy artillery, but much general 
information as well. The observers turned in reports 
of moving troops, gathering of men in the quarries, the 
hastily dug trenches, etc. 

It was while the section was located here that Pri- 
vate Shaw was severely wounded. The post to which 
he was assigned was constantly shelled, and it required 
steel nerves to stick to the post during the continual 
baptism of fire. Sergeant Baldwin, Corporal McDon- 
ald and Privates Chester Johnson and Finn, were taken 
to the hospital as a result of gas and exhaustion. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 93 

The central was also shelled heavily and it was the 
last daj'' at this place (August 11) that Acting First 
Sergeant McMillan was killed by fragments from a 
high explosive shell. Corporal P. H. Daniels was seri- 
ously wounded at the same time. This affair cast a 
gloom over the men in the section, as both were very 
popular with officers and men. Sergeant McMillan was 
laid to rest in the little garden by the house, near the 
spot where he had fallen. 

The Allies had by this time decided to discontinue 
for the present the attempt to push the Germans from 
the Vesle, and withdrew many troops which had been 
engaged in the 18 days' battle. 

F. S. R. No. 1, with the retiring troops, left for an 
eight days' rest at Chamigny, on the Marne, where the 
men enjoyed a much-needed rest and the pleasure of 
bathing in the Marne. From Chamigny, the section 
moved to Wasny, 60 kilometers north of Chaumont. 
The men were the first Americans to remain there, 
and all had a most enjoyable time, owing to the hospi- 
tality of the residents of the village. 

The Flash Rangers had made an enviable reputa- 
tion during the period they had been in action in the 
Marne salient. The accompanying copy of the Artillery 
Information Service bulletin from the Headquarters 
of the Chief of Artillery, 4th Corps A. I. S., is ample 
evidence of the importance of the work which the sec- 
tion accomplished. It will be noted that for a period of 
five days prior to the start of the big American offen- 
sive on July 18, Flash and Sound Ranging was the only 
unit which was able to operate. Owing to the enemy 
having supremacy of the air, the balloons and aviators 
were unable to locate a single battery. It is also noted 
that during the five days following the stabilization of 



94 RANGING IN FRANCE 

the line, the Flash Ranging section exceeded all other 
units in locating enemy batteries. It is admitted, how- 
ever, that during movements the majority of locations 
were made by the aviators. But during a period of 
stabilization, 44 out of 58 batteries were located by 
Flash and Sound. 

Observers in F. S. R. No. 1 went forward with the 
first waves of the infantry and set their instruments 
up in the wheat fields and in other open territory 
where they could command a view of the enemy terri- 
tory. 

The following are true copies of the official orders : 

HEADQUARTERS THIRD ARMY CORPS, 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 

GENERAL ORDERS 

No. 52 Luxembourg, November 29, 1918. 

1. The Corps Commander desires to record in orders his 
appreciation of the excellent work performed by the Corps 
Observation Group. Constantly under shell fire and often times 
under heavy machine-gun fire, they unhesitatingly established 
their posts and maintained at all times wire communication with 
Corps Headquarters. 

2. It is desired in particular to commend them for the cor- 
rectness of their reports and for the unhesitating responsibility 
which they have assumed when differing opinions in matters of 
importance have been placed before them. There is on record 
at these Headquarters no instance where an observation post 
has been discontinued, notwithstanding the fact that these posts 
have been many times destroyed by shell fire. They have often 
established, maintained and operated posts where no cover of 
any sort was obtainable. 

3. Their services, performed with a steadfast devotion to 
duty, at times under exceedingly trying circumstances, mark 
them as an example of what their country expects of its soldiers. 

By command of 

MAJOR GENERAL HINES. 
Official: CAMPBELL KING, 

DAVID O'KEEFE, Chief of Staff. 

Adjutant General. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 95 

HEADQUARTERS CHIEF OF ARTILLERY, 
4th CORPS, A. I. S. 

A. I. S., August 23, 1918. 

ARTILLERY INFORMATION SERVICE BULLETIN 
16:00, August 21—16:00, August 22, 1918. 
The following extract is taken from Bulletin No. 9, Office of 
Chief of Artillery, G. H. Q. : 

"Notes on the location of enemy batteries, by agencies 
of the Artillery Information Service, 1st Corps, during 
the recent operation." 

(Study made from Corps A. I. S. Bulletin, 1st Corps.) 

The principal function of the Corps A. I. S. is to furnish 
targets for counter-battery or neutralization, that is enemy 
batteries. 

The agencies available for this purpose include: 

(a) Flash Ranging Section (F. R. S. No. 1). 

(b) Sound Ranging Section (S. R. S. No. 2). 

(c) Balloons. 

(d) Airplanes Reconnaissance and Air Photos. 

It will be remembered that the advance north of Chateau 
Thierry began on July 18 and continued steadily until about 
August 4, when the line of the Vesle was reached and the line 
again became stabilized. 

The work of the A. I. S. in locating enemy batteries will be 
shown during these periods. 

(a) The five days preceding the attack, that is, during a 
period of active stabilization (July 13-17). 

(b) The advance itself, from (July 18-August 4). 

(c) Five days following the stabilization of the line 
(August 5-9). 

TOTAL BATTERIES 
July 13-17— 

F. R. S., 22; S. R. S., 22; Balloons, None; Aviation, None. 

July 18-August 4 — 

F. R. S., 46; S. R. S., 4; Balloons, 30; Aviation, 77. 

August 5-9 — 

F. R. S., 34; S. R. S., 6; Balloons, 13; Aviation, 15. 

CONCLUSIONS 

During a period of stabilization a large per cent of the bat- 
teries located in action were by the F. R. S. and S. R. S. (44 out 
of 58). 

During the advance the S. R. S. practically ceased to function 



96 RANGING IN FRANCE 

and required several days after the line had become stabilized 
before it could again furnish information. 

The F. R. S. moved forward close behind the infantry and 
furnished considerable information at all times. An extract 
from the Corps A. I. S. Bulletin of August 3, says: 

"The work of the F. R. S. during the entire advance has 
been excellent. In spite of the lack of transportation and 
continual movement it has given good information. Dur- 
ing the attack yesterday men went forward with the In- 
fantry so as to find good observation posts." 

But the principal sources of information during movement 
were aviation and balloons, especially the former. 

Seventy-seven out of 163 batteries located by all sources 
came from the aviation, in spite of the fact that the Germans had 
the supremacy of the air. 

The Corps A. I. S. Bulletin for August 8, says: 

"The enemy aviators had absolute supremacy in the air 
and besides burning two of our balloons kept our aviators 
away from the line." 

F. J. WILLIAMS, 
Major, F. A. N. A., Chief of Section. 



From Wasny, the Flash Rangers were ordered to 
Pont-a-Mousson to participate in the great St. Mihiel 
drive, taking the place of the French Flash Ranging 
Section No. 87 at that point in the salient. 

The position of the section was on the Moselle river 
on the right of the American army, with its central at 
Foret-de-Puvenelle. During the offensive, which 
opened on the morning of September 12, the section 
carried on general observation work. 

Immediately after the assault of the American 
troops, two posts were moved forward under extreme 
difficulties, and when established covered the valley of 
the Moselle. 

The following account of establishing a new post 
by observers and linesmen in Section 1 during the St. 




THE FAMOUS BELLEAU WOODS, WHERE THE MARINES STOPPED 
THE HUNS IN THEIR DRIVE ON PARIS 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 97 

Mihiel offensive is given as told by one of the party, 
and should furnish much amusement for the reader. 

"When John Boche was relieved at Norry, on the 
Moselle, by the Texas boys, it was up to us to put a 
post just a little nearer Germany. For this task Ser- 
geant Castruccio and a ^picked crew' were chosen. A 
*Looey* and Sergeant Joyce had located said post, but 
to date they have not been tried for murder. Accord- 
ingly Sergeant Castruccio led his trusty band of wire 
layers across No Man's Land, through the Bois de 
Pretre and were nearing the edge of what once was a 
tract of woods, when a Boche avion interrupted our 
labors with a machine gun shower, and almost pre- 
vented Christensen from taking his furlough to Den- 
mark. 

"This affair resulted in a strategic retreat on our 
part. The next day the rest of the outfit moved out to 
establish themselves in Norroy quarries ; and ever since, 
the modest band of heroes fervently declare it was not 
the fault of the Boche that they did not locate perma- 
nently with a 'dog tag' to mark the spot. Observers 
McDonnell and Skooglum took over the post, and both 
speak enthusiastically about the game of 'duck your 
nut' which John Boche played with them. 

"In the meantime, the rest of the immortals moved 
to a shack in the quarries. When darkness came Fritzy 
decided to 'fini' the affair, and sent so many gas shells 
over simultaneously that they neutralized each other. 
In this young barrage. Observers Rose, Armitage and 
Peterson made their way to the post. In the shack Ger- 
son was enthusing on the possibilities of two boxes of 
potato mashers going off, and Labares was solemnly 
cheering the boys with the idea that the gas was of the 



98 RANGING IN FRANCE 

unsmellable but deadly kind. Every one favored a re- 
treat as necessary for the 'good of the service'. 

"Fritz, no doubt thinking he had succeeded in his 
fiendish design, ceased, and his victims, now gathered 
together, performed that well known movement 'pulling 
out/ We passed the night peacefully in a half -filled 
Boche powder magazine. In the midst of all this hor- 
ror of war. Corporal Lebald never lost his side rule; 
the potato mashers never exploded and everyone voted 
it a 'banged up* affair." 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 99 

CHAPTER V. 

WITH S. R. S. NO. 2 

With the exception of F. R. S. No. 1, S. R. S. No. 2 
made more moves and covered more territory than any- 
other section in the service. This detachment reached 
the front on April 3, making its first headquarters at 
Grosrouve. The detachment had been given orders to 
take over a French Sound Ranging Section which 
operated the T. M. (Telegraph Militaire) system more 
or less successfully. 

The officers and men found matters in anything 
but a satisfactory condition. The lines were badly 
''balled up" (using the terms of a linesman) and Lieu- 
tenant Coles and the men in his command were kept 
busy about 24 hours each day in an effort to keep up 
communication. Sergeant Smith spent much time and 
energy in mending oscillograph springs in central. The 
central operator appeared to be connected with every- 
one in the vicinity, mostly Frenchmen who talked con- 
tinuously. 

Much of the following information regarding the 
activities of the detachment is taken from the noted 
diary kept by Private Bela Hubbard, who just prior to 
the closing of the war received a commission as sec- 
ond lieutenant. 

Our first casualty was Private Marousek, better 
known as "Gunsel." Marousek put his nose to a frag- 
ment of a German shell one morning to determine if 
the projectile had been gas or high explosive. It was 
gas. Marousek went to the hospital. 



100 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Artillery barrages and raids by both the Americans 
and Germans were nightly occurrences and at any hour 
of the day or night one might expect a cataract of 
shells from the enemy guns. 

Failing to operate the T. M. system successfully, 
about half of the detachment departed for Broussy, 
where our next attempt at sound ranging was to be 
staged. We reached Broussy after dark and found that 
we were to be billeted in quarters that had recently 
been occupied by chevaux. The place, of course, did not 
present an inviting appearance, and we were compelled 
to do considerable "policing" before proceeding 
further. The first ten days at our new base were spent 
in stringing wire, digging a dugout, etc. Lieutenant 
Stewart and Sergeant Wicks arrived from Fort de St. 
Menge on April 18, bringing the "Bull Tucker" (Brit- 
ish Sound Ranging apparatus) with them. They also 
brought 11 sacks of mail, the first we had received on 
the front. 

The village was approximately two miles back of 
our front line, about opposite Loupmont, the nearest 
town held by the Germans. On May 21, the sector in 
which we were located was taken over by French colon- 
ial troops from Algeria, relieving the 26th Division. 
The 26th, however, continued to hold the lines on our 
right. 

Many amusing incidents occurred during our stay 
at Broussy. One evening while returning from Bucon- 
ville, a village two kilometers north of Broussy, a num- 
ber of us were held at the point of a bayonet by an 
Algerian guard. The bayonet was several feet long, and 
I found it impossible to get close enough to give him a 
pass which I carried. All attempts to approach the 
guard were stopped by a vigorous thrust of the bayo- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 101 

net, and some sort of a challenge which sounded like 
the grunt of a pig. Thus we were held at bay until the 
sergeant of the guard arrived and permitted us to pass. 

Sergeant Hocker undoubtedly still has in his pos- 
session a souvenir from Broussy, in the way of an 
Algerian's red cap. Hocker traded a pair of shoes for 
the headgear and trouble was threatened the next day 
when the Algerian put in an appearance with the shoes, 
which he managed to tell us did not fit him. He camped 
in front of the dugout the entire day for Hocker and the 
red cap. When evening came, the visitor left. What 
the blood-thirsty Algerian did with the shoes will prob- 
ably never be known, but Hocker kept the cap. 

The members of the detachment have not fogotten 
the occasion when one of the "boomer" engineers sal- 
vaged a magneto and wired the benches at the mess 
table. While the hungry Sound Kangers were making 
an earnest attempt to satisfy the "innerman" the 
switch was turned, and the room became full of scram- 
bled soldiers, flying mess kits, etc. Later order was re- 
stored, but the originator of the joke was in peril of 
his life, when a linesman approached the lister bag and 
put his mouth to the faucet for a drink. Instantly his 
lips became glued to the faucet, while the victim danced 
frantically about in an effort to free himself. A few 
moments was all he was permitted to suffer. 

While these events were transpiring at central, the 
observers were having some interesting experiences at 
their posts, which were practically located in No Man's 
Land. 

Owing to the lakes and swamps along that section 
of the front, the Allied troops had never constructed 
trenches, and only patrols were maintained here by the 
Americans. The right observation post, where the men 



102 RANGING IN FRANCE 

were also billeted, was located in a lonely strip of 
woods on the shore of the lake, northwest of Boucon- 
ville. Its loneliness increased immensely when the four 
observors stationed there were warned repeatedly by 
their officers to be on the alert for raiding parties, as 
the night patrol was of but little protection. 

It was the first night at the post. Observers Phil- 
lips and Cottrell, on being relieved from duty, repaired 
to the sleeping quarters nearby, which consisted of a 
small hut with a cover of "elephant iron." Soon Phil- 
lips was fast asleep, but Cottrell remained awake, plan- 
ning what he would do in case of a German raid. Hours 
seemed to have passed when he heard a sound that im- 
mediately claimed his attention — a sound made by the 
duckboard as it oozed into the mud just outside the door 
of the shack. Then the door itself creaked slightly as if 
being tried. 

**Halt! Who's there?'' challenged the observer. No 
answer. Cottrell slipped from the bunk. In a stage 
whisper he awoke his companion. 

**Out of bed. Get your rifle. There's a Boche raid- 
ing party outside !" 

Picture two men crouching low and breathless, un- 
hooking the door, clad in tin hats and rubber boots, 
their ammunition belts bristling with a hundred rounds, 
their fixed bayonets gleaming in the faint moonlight 
that filtered through the cracks of the hut. But imagine 
their surprise and chagrin when they discovered, sit- 
ting high and dry on a board and suspiciously eyeing 
the new occupants of his home — old Tom, the cat ! 

The left observation post was located at the edge of 
the Bois Sans Nom, or the Woods of No Name. It was 
directly opposite the village of Apremont, which as be- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 103 

fore stated, was held by the enemy. Only a string of 
barbwire entanglements separated us from the Ger- 
mans, and the only infantrymen along this section of 
the front being a nightly patrol. To the observers on 
duty it was always a guess as to whether it was a 
friendly or enemy patrol. On one occasion an American 
and German patrol met just in front of the post, and 
a royal battle ensued. Hand grenades, automatic pist- 
ols, and machine guns all added to the din. Corporal 
Amery was on duty in the post and the bullets riddled 
the shack. The Germans retired to their own lines, 
taking their wounded with them. 

Later Fritz shelled the woods heavily and finally 
succeeded in demolishing the post held by the observ- 
ers. The men escaped uninjured, but the post was 
moved to Fort de Liouville. The left line station was in 
charge of Sergeant Keitel and in addition to the ob- 
servers already named, Strane, Campbell, Kennedy, 
Balch, Stanwood and Marousek were stationed there. 

It was while the section was stationed at Broussy 
that Sergeant Smith and Private Hopkins, assisted by 
a raiding party from Company M. of the 104th In- 
fantry, 26th Division, performed the remarkable and 
heroic feat of cutting a heavy electrified cable in front 
of the German lines near Loupmont. 

Company M. of the 104th Infantry was in the lines 
at this point, a company that deserves great credit for 
its daring raids into enemy territory. It was during one 
of these raids that Lieutenant Mesky discovered that 
the Germans had constructed the electric cable, which 
was causing no little trouble to the American raiding 
parties. Lieutenant Coles, learning from the infantry 
officer that the cable existed, asked permission to cut, 
it, which was given. 



104 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Consequently, Lieutenant Coles, accompanied by- 
Sergeant Smith, Private Hopkins, and others, began the 
work of constructing some apparatus to ''ground" the 
electric circuit before severing the wire. 

When the raiding party was assembled, the com- 
manding officer of Company M. objected to Lieuten- 
ant Coles accompanying the party on the grounds that 
he was an engineer officer of special qualification. 
Much to the disgust of Lieutenant Coles, he was left 
behind. 

The party was made up of Lieutenant Mesky, four 
scouts, two automatic rifle squads, two grenade parties, 
one squad of expert riflemen. Sergeant Smith and Pri- 
vate Hopkins. The jaunt into the first line trenches 
was tedious and laborious. It was utter darkness, and 
to converse with each other meant to invite a sniper's 
bullet. At 9 o'clock the party climbed over the parapet 
into No Man's Land to accomplish their perilous task. 
As soon as the barbwire entanglements in front of the 
American trenches were cleared, they assumed a V- 
shaped formation, with the scouts at the points. They 
were followed on each side by the automatic riflemen, 
grenadiers and expert riflemen. Sergeant Smith and 
Private Hopkins were with Lieutenant Meskey just 
ahead of the scouts. 

No Man's Land at the point where the party crossed 
was about a kilometer in width, and it was well after 
midnight when the party reached the vicinity of the 
German lines. The party found it slow work making its 
way across No Man's Land. Many times the scouts 
would go ahead, flanked on either side with grenadiers 
to explore the territory they were penetrating. At last 
the electric cable was found and between the Very light 
displays. Smith and Hopkins applied their apparatus. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 105 

The men placed their grounding instruments about 25 
yards apart, throwing the current from the wire in the 
intervening space. This section of the cable was then 
removed. 

It was of the greatest importance that caution be 
observed, as a spark from the wire, which was strung 
on stakes about two feet high, would reveal the position 
of the Americans. It would also bring down a machine 
gun barrage from the Germans, as the enemy trenches 
were only a short distance away. A little beyond the 
cable and less than 30 yards in front of the German 
lines, were the barbwire entanglements. It was the 
good fortune of one of the scouts to find a small bell 
hanging on the wire at a tactical point, placed there by 
the Germans to serve as an alarm in case of attacking 
Americans. The scout quietly removed the bell and cut 
the wire for the party to pass through. Two hours were 
then spent at this work, one scout estimating that he 
cut no less than 2000 wires. 

Their purpose accomplished, the party started home- 
ward, but had only reached a point half way across No 
Man's Land when a Very light revealed their position to 
the enemy. The machine guns poured forth a deluge 
of bullets, but no one was struck. 

It was the morning of June 4 that orders were re- 
ceived for the section to proceed to a new base in the 
St. Mihiel sector, with central at la petit Mandre, near 
Boncourt, six miles north of Commercy. Here we took 
over a French Sound Ranging section, using our own 
apparatus. We were attached to a French army, and 
during the three weeks we spent there we found "busi- 
ness*' rather dull. The principal excitement at central 
was frying oef f s and pomme de terre by the night shift. 
Lieutenant Mitten was especially "strong" for the eggs 



106 RANGING IN FRANCE 

and was even known to retire for the night on occasions 
when eggs were scarce and ''Corned Willy" on the bill 
of fare. Boncourt was full of French soldiers, and 
therefore had beaucoup cafes, among which the 
"Bouncing Bar Maid Inn" was the most popular, with 
sweet Marguerite the attraction — at least for Morgan 
and Kennedy. 

We put the outfit in cold storage on the morning of 
June 27 when orders came to move to Chateau Thierry, 
where the Americans had halted the Germans in their 
apparently irresistible drive on Paris. We were bound 
for the one point on the front upon which the attention 
of the entire world was focused. The trip lasted two 
days. The weather was fine, and as we made the trip 
in trucks, we were able to see much of the territory 
over which the Allies and Germans had been fighting 
for four years. We passed the famous Marne battle- 
fields of 1914, where graves dotted the grain fields 
everywhere. Our road led through American concen- 
tration camps, aviation centers, and towns filled with 
British "Tommies." 

Passing through Le Ferte, we turned north and 
reached our destination late in the afternoon, where we 
found F. R. S. No. 1 already in action, under the com- 
mand of Major (then Captain) Theodore Lyman. 

Our central was located in a hunting lodge in a 
large woods a few kilometers behind the lines in the 
vicinity of Bouresches and west of Chateau-Thierry. 

Much of the base was in full view of the German 
observers, and we had much difficulty in running the 
survey and stringing the lines to the microphones and 
observation posts. The first day the section in which 
the surveyors were working was shelled continuously, 
they being chased out of a tract of woods by a deluge 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 107 

ot gas shells. The following day the German observers 
undoubtedly caught the reflection of the transit, for the 
enemy dropped a barrage in that vicinity. The men 
took shelter in an abandoned trench while Fritz con- 
tinued the celebration. The jagged steel fragments of 
the shells whined close overhead, clipping the dust and 
cutting branches from the apple trees. There was a 
lull in the firing and the surveyors crawled out to re- 
sume their work, but a few minutes later Fritz opened 
up again, and for protection the men again sought the 
trench. These were the experiences of the surveyors 
during the entire time they were establishing the base 
at Chateau-Thierry. The linesmen had similar expe- 
riences in stringing the lines. 

The section got into operation about July 7, and 
succeeded in locating seven batteries the first day. One 
of the line stations was located at Coupru and the 
other at Marigny. Lieutenant Beckett, lines officer, 
was the busiest man in the section. We had over 75 
miles of wire in the base and our total strength was 
only 35 men. But despite the high resistance of the 
lines and unfavorable winds, the section made a good 
showing. 

Coupru, south of Bouresches, lies in a little ravine 
among the rolling hills, which at the time of the 
Chateau-Thierry struggle were covered with fields of 
ripening grain. Coupru as well as the neighboring vil- 
lages had been hurriedly evacuated by the civilian pop- 
ulation who had left behind all their worldly effects 
and the accumulation of generations, to the mercy of 
the Huns. 

When off duty we spent our time selecting our oak 
or mahognay bedsteads, feather mattresses, China 
dishes, and our unique collection of clocks. Close to our 



108 RANGING IN FRANCE 

billet was the community garden and fresh peas, new 
potatoes, small green onions and currants formed an 
excellent supplement to our issue of hard tack and 
"monkey meat." It was no uncommon sight to see a 
"doughboy" driving a salvaged milk cow or chasing a 
young chicken about the barnyard with dreams of a 
real spring fry, as in better days. 

When the French were falling back before the ad- 
vancing Germans near Chateau-Thierry, they took with 
them as much property as they could possibly carry 
away, and such as was left behind the army made use 
of, rather than let it fall into the hands of the Germans. 
When the line became stabilized an order was issued to 
the effect that the soldiers were not to interfere in 
any way with civilian property. It was soon after this 
order was made public that Private Kennedy found an 
exceptionally fine single bed with a feather mattress 
which he decided to move to his billet. He was pro- 
ceeding up the street of the village with the bed bal- 
anced on his head when he met an artillery officer, 
who sternly asked Kennedy where he was going. 

"Sir," said Kennedy, "I found this bed yesterday, 
but my sergeant won't allow me to keep it, so I am re- 
turning it now." 

The officer accepted the explanation and Kennedy 
continued on the way to his billet with the prize. 

Coupru was quiet when we first entered it, but soon 
with a change of divisions, more troops appeared on 
the streets and Fritz began to "shoot up' the town. One 
night after we had been chased into the cellar a num- 
ber of times, a 150 struck near the building, blowing 
out both windows of the room in which we were sleep- 
ing. Keyes and Barnard rushed for the cellar. Another 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 109 

**slow freight" unloaded with a crash at the side door 
and Sergeant Roberts, wakening suddenly, hung the 
French telephone around his neck for a gas mask and 
made for the cellar. A third shell landed in the creek, 
by the back window, blowing out the sash and covering 
Cottrell and Kennedy with mud of a nice slimy variety. 

The men who made their home at the left line sta- 
tion in Marigny were thoroughly initiated the first day 
of their arrival. The Germans could see the truck as it 
entered the village and soon after threw over 200 
rounds of mustard gas shells into the town. The Ger- 
man artillery was very active during the entire time 
that the Americans were in the village. 

It was about July 13 that we received an official 
notification from General Scott outlining a plan of 
"neutralization." The "neutralization" was to begin on 
"Day H." and "Hour J." The great significance of 
this was not fully comprehended until a few days 
hence. 

It was on July 15 that the Germans renewed their 
attempt to Reach Paris, further details of which are 
given in another chapter. That night Cottrell and Balch 
were severely gassed and taken to the hospital. 

At 4 o'clock on the morning of July 18, the Allies 
started their big offensive on the left side of the 
famous salient, and we were awakened from our slum- 
bers by the terrific on de choc of the 155 "longs" be- 
hind us. "Hour J." had come. The sharper report of 
the 75's mingled with the roar of the heavier guns and 
the atmosphere all along the front was riddled with 
"kisses for the Kaiser," as one of the boys expressed it. 
The infantry went over the top at daylight, and from 
that time the song of the 75 's grew fainter and fainter. 
Boche planes had everywhere been replaced by Allied 



110 RANGING IN FRANCE 

planes going over in great droves. The sausage balloons 
moved forward; the Flash Rangers packed up and 
moved ahead. For two days the long range guns behind 
kept up an incessant fire, until the retreating Boche 
had been driven beyond their extreme range. As Sound 
Ranging is not as mobile as Flash Ranging, it was 
necessary for us to wait until the lines became stabil- 
ized before putting in another base. 

It was August 8th before the section packed up and 
moved to the river Vesle. In the meantime, however, 
the officers secured permission to make a survey of 
former German battery positions. During the next few 
days all the positions in front of us were located and 
found to check up in a very satisfactory manner with 
our former findings — that is, while the batteries were 
in action. 

Lieutenant Smith having been ordered to the Flash 
and Sound Ranging school at Fort de St. Menge, Lieu- 
tenant Beckett took command of the detachment. 

Then came the joyful news — permission was ob- 
tained for the officers and men to visit Paris on fur- 
loughs of 24 hours' duration. Each man has his own 
ideas of pleasure in Paris, but all returned on schedule 
time except one — Private Kennedy, who has been men- 
tioned in this narrative before. But it was not Ken- 
nedy's fault ; he simply got on the wrong train. After 
many experiences, Kennedy found himself in Chateau- 
Thierry at 2 o'clock in the morning, without francs or a 
place to sleep. But this did not baffle the Sound Ranger 
in the least. He calmly walked up one of the streets in 
the residential section of the city, and seeing a door 
open in a mansion, entered. Kennedy found himself 
in an elegantly furnished home and in one room dis- 
covered a very elaborate feather bed. He looked no 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 111 

further, but pulled off his muddy shoes and crawled in 
between the fancy lace-bordered sheets. He awoks late 
the next morning, put on his shoes, ate breakfast at a 
nearby mess and returned to camp. 

Our stay on the Vesle — August 9-12 — was brief but 
exciting. We were quartered in a partially demolished 
building in the central part of the village, not far from 
a battery of 155 *'longs," which drew constant fire 
from the enemy guns. The shells usually fell short, 
bursting in the immediate vicinity of our billet. 

As at Chateau-Thierry, the surveyors had trouble 
in establishing the base. The surveying party was 
divided into two groups. According to the plans formu- 
lated, Harlow and Graham took the transit and set up 
on a hill. Driver, Sessions, and others, proceeded to 
station themselves on various other high points which 
were designated, their duty being to raise a rod desig- 
nating their position when the signal was received. The 
survey was to be based on a triangulation network from 
which the microphone positions were to be run in by 
short traverses. The men went to their respective po- 
sitions, but could see nothing but bursting shells around 
the landscape, the smoke being so dense from the artil- 
lery fire that no group of surveyors could see another. 
At 1 o'clock two rodmen came in for dinner after hav- 
ing spent the forenoon under an artillery barrage. A 
second group drifted in about 5 o'clock and at dark, 
Harlow and Graham arrived, tired and in anything but 
an amiable mood. 

The following day the work was more successful, 
but the men were handicapped greatly by the intense 
artillery fire. The Germans were leaving no section of 
the front untouched. An amusing incident is told re- 
garding Lieutenant McClanahan. The officer was mak- 



112 RANGING IN FRANCE 

ing a general investigation of the ground previous to 
the microphone survey in that particular section. He 
was pointing out the approximate point where Micro- 
phone No. 1 v^as to be located. 

'It is on that small knoll halfway between the tree 
an — there! It is just on the spot where that shell 
burst." 

All admitted that it was a very desirable location. 

This proved to be the most active front of any on 
which we had operated. From any prominent point we 
could watch the American shells bursting behind the 
German lines. The amount of artillery that the Ameri- 
cans and French had massed on the Vesle was aston- 
ishing. On one occasion the surveying party, on estab- 
lishing the position of Microphone No. 5, discovered 
more than thirty 77's, almost ''hub to hub," along the 
fringe of woods behind the microphone position. The 
base is always chosen so as to avoid disturbing and in- 
terfering with sounds in the vicinity of the detecters, 
but on the Vesle there was no choice. 

On the afternoon of August 13, together with F. 
R. S. No. 2, we were ordered to the rear. We arrived 
at Chamigny, a small and peaceful village on the Marne 
not far from La Ferte. Here we had a week of rest, 
a contrast to our exciting days on the Vesle. Bathing in 
the historical Marne was our principal pastime. 

Moving by trucks to Metz, east of Chateau-Thierry, 
on August 10, we entrained for Joinville. From the 
doors of the French boxcars we gazed upon the most 
interesting battlefields of the war. The train proceeded 
slowly through Dormans, and along the south bank of 
the Marne. The banks of the river were still strewn 
with punctured pontoon boats and the wreckage of Gar- 




TOP— THE CHURCH AT BUCONVILLE. BOTTOM— BRUSSEY. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 113 

man pontoon bridges. The ditches along the railroad 
tracks held many bodies covered with a few shovels of 
dirt, and now and then marked by empty bottles or un- 
labelled stakes. Remnants of German uniforms and 
equipment were strewn over the ground, grim evi- 
dence of the fierce hand-to-hand struggle when the 
Huns had been halted in their last offensive. 

We were bound for the American sector to partici- 
pate in the St. Mihiel offensive, and we reached the city 
of Toul on August 24. We proceeded to Menil-a-tour, 
where we were quartered for one night. It was Aug- 
ust 25 when we reached our new home on the Moselle. 
Our central was located in the heart of the Forest Puv- 
enelle, a few kilometers back of the lines and just west 
of Pont-a-Mousson. Here we took over a French Sound 
Ranging section which had been in operation three 
years. The men in the French section were thoroughly 
acquainted with every enemy battery opposite them. 
The observers could recognize each battery that fired 
by its sound and position, making it a simple matter 
for central to phone the information to the artillery. 

The 90th Division, American army, was holding the 
section of the front at this time, and many of the men 
were quartered in the same billets with us. We had not 
been in the camp long when one night Fritz shelled us 
heavily. Many of the men in the camp sought the 
trenches in the vicinity for protection. Lieutenant 
Beckett made his way through the darkness from the 
officers' quarters to learn if we were uninjured. When 
he returned he asked Private Downing to guide him 
back to his billett. They had reached a point about 50 
yards from our barracks when Downing warningly 
shouted : 

"Watch out for the trench. Lieutenant !" 



114 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"Too late," was the reply, "Fm already in it." 
Then another voice from the bottom of the trench 

arose in a tone of protestation. 

'Tlease, mister, have a heart and quit walking on 

my face." 

Down in another part of the camp a shell burst in 
one of the wooden barracks and blew both feet off one 
of the men. He was rushed to the camp infirmary. 
His captain left his cot and proceeded to the infirmary 
to learn the condition of the injured man. When the 
officer returned he found that a shell had made a direct 
hit on his bed and the room in which he had been sleep- 
ing no longer existed. 

One of the worst features of our camp here was the 
rats. Of course, fleas and cooties were numerous, but 
the rats gave us the most trouble. They had lived ami- 
ably with the French for nearly four years, but the 
rodents found it hard to get along with the Americans. 
At night, when the last candle was extinguished, they 
would come over the top in massed formation. Occa- 
sionly a big fellow would crawl in bed with one of the 
boys, or step on his face. Then would ensue a wild 
yell, the sound of scratching matches, and the whirr 
and crashing of flying shoes — all of this interspersed 
with a choice line of profanity. After a week or ten 
days we became used to the varmints and no one ob- 
jected to a rat taking a romp over his anatomy, pro- 
vided the Sound Ranger was left intact when the romp 
was over. 

The base finally got into operation after the usual 
work of stringing lines, locating observation posts, etc., 
Great preparations were being made for the St. Mihiel 
offensive, and we encountered much trouble owing to 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 115 

ammunition wagons, tractors, tanks, etc., moving 
across our lines, keeping the linesmen busy repairing 
them. 

On this base we had three observation posts and two 
line stations, one located at Mamey and the other at 
Motauville. The big drive started on the morning of 
September 12, a full account of which is given in an- 
other chapter. We continued to operate for a few days 
on the old base, after which we moved forward, es- 
tablishing our central in a former German dugout be- 
tween Vieville and Vilcey, in the Bois des Vencheres. 
The line stations were at Vieville and Villers. Sergeant 
Hocker took care of the trouble at the former place 
and Sergeant Kelly at the latter. We found our new po- 
sition much livelier than the one we had occupied be- 
fore the drive. Vieville was continuously under shell 
fire, as were also the principal highways and cross- 
roads. Dead horses lined the road on either side, and 
often a dead German could be seen, as yet unburied. 

It was while at the Norroy base that the irresistible 
Kennedy was working on the communication lines one 
afternoon when his ever-watchful eye caught sight of 
some splendid blackberries. After filling his steel hel- 
met, he picked a few more and sat down to eat them. 
Soon he heard footsteps, and a shadow from some hov- 
ering object fell across the path by which he was sit- 
ting. Glancing up Kennedy was surprised to see a 
brigadier-general confronting him. 

As the general waited for Kennedy to spring to at- 
tention his face was drawn into a frown. 

"Well, don't you know a general when you see one,*' 
he growled. 

"Yes, sir; but I never expected to see one up here. 



it sir.'* 



■i— 



116 RANGING IN FRANCE 

The general hesitated. The frown on his face was 
changing to a grin. 

"Where is your post?" asked the officer. 

"I haven't any, sir.'* 

"To what organization do you belong?" 

"Twenty- ninth Engineers, Sir." 

"What kind of work do you do?" 

"I can't tell you, sir." 

The general was baffled. His eyes roamed about 
while his mind groped for something effective. He spied 
the berries. 

"What are you going to do with those?" he asked. 

"Take them home to the cook to make a pie, sir." 

"Well ; be careful not to eat too much of that pie, or 
you may make yourself sick." 

"Yes, sir." 

Kennedy saluted. The general returned the salute 
and walked on. 

We remained at the Norroy base until the cessation 
of hostilities. During the time we had been in operation 
we made 493 locations of enemy positions. The last few 
days of our stay at this place was featured by the work 
of Lieutenant Fecht in the culinary department, who 
won more or less notoriety in his demonstrations of 
making hotcakes for the night shift. In order that all 
might know how well he made them, we nailed one to 
the wall for a souvenir. 

Nearly every organization has its "fat man." In our 
section it was Private Flora, of Harrisburg, Pa. Flora 
served as photographer at central. The dark room had 
to be enlarged when he went on the job. Flora was 
gaining weight day by day, and needed exercise badly. 
His opportunity came when Corporal Thompson formed 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 117 

a survey party to run a check survey of the microphone 
positions. 

Private Flora joined the party as a rodman, and he 
made an excellent target for either a transit or a Ger- 
man machine gun. For this reason he was given the 
job as rear rodman. This plan worked nicely until the 
party came to Microphone No. 7, when Flora was told 
to assume the duties of front rodman. It was with 
much suspicion and misgiving that Flora made his way 
out into the forbidden territory where he had been 
directed to hold up his rod on an elevated point in the 
field. 

Scrambling through the trenches and barbwire en- 
tanglements, and over shell holes, he made slow prog- 
ress. He stumbled and fell ; he glanced downward and 
discovered he had tripped over a dead Boche. Then he 
was startled by a shout. Looking around he beheld a 
negro's head protruding over the edge of a trench. 
(The sector was held by negro troops of the 92nd 
Division.) 

"Fo' the land's sake; what yo' all doin' out yon- 
dah?" inquired the negro, at the same time looking 
over the barrel of his machine gun. Flora decided to 
retreat. 

''Come heah !" yelled the colored doughboy. 

Flora obeyed. 

"What yo' all tryin' to do?" questioned the negro. 

Flora explained. 
"Lawd be praised; I'se glad I don't belong with 
the engineers," replied the machine gunner, "but first 
let me shake you' hand good-bye." 

At the line station at Vieville the most popular 
pastime was "shooting trouble" at night. Oh! the in- 



118 RANGING IN FRANCE 

comparable joy of being awakened from a sound sleep 
to hear the telephone man yell in your ear : 

'Treddie is out!" 

You crawl from your warm blankets, put on your 
clothes, and disappear in the darkness. The night was 
considered lost when the linesmen were not called out 
at least three or four times. An excursion through the 
woods out to a microphone on a pitch dark night, with 
the rain pouring down, and Fritz sending over ''beau- 
coup" shells, was anything but pleasant ! 

October 6 was a red letter day in our billet. It was 
on this date that Germany sent her first overtures for 
an armistice to President Wilson. Every one was happy 
until just after our mid-day meal, when Fritz honored 
us by dropping a peace missive directly on our under- 
ground abode demolishing one end of it. The messenger 
was in the form of a 155 high explosive shell. One of 
the Sound Rangers received an ugly scalp wound which 
required his presence at the hospital. 

In speaking of the activities at the Vieville station, 
one of the linesmen said : 

''Fritz continued to strafe the Hocker billet. On 
November 6 he put over a special token of esteem. It 
was in the middle of the night, and there was the 
usual chorus of unearthly noises in the dugout, caused 
by the sleeping men. A 155 high explosive shell landed 
directly on the top of the dugout, mussing up things 
badly, but inflicting no damage to the inmates. The 
concussion is said to have jarred Hocker out of bed 
onto the floor in an undignified position. At any rate, 
Hocker contends that some of the stringers sprung 
down to the floor and back into position and that the 
walls likewise kissed and rebounded to the regular 
place. After reassuring ourselves by asserting that two 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 119 

shells never hit in the same place, we retired to our 
bunks again and resumed our slumbers. Early the next 
morning repairs were made and camouflage added in 
order that Fritz could not have the satisfaction of fly- 
ing over and taking a snapshot of his target, which 
would have shown his aim to have been accurate." 

The observers and linesmen who made their home 
at the right line station before and after the St. Mihiel 
offensive, were known as the "black sheep of the fam- 
ily," although this misnomer does not signify that their 
work was not as effective as it could be made by con- 
scientious Sound Rangers. The information regarding 
their activities are provided by them as follows : 

"On September 5 we established the right line sta- 
tion in the town of Montauville, two kilometers west 
of Pont-a-Mousson. We had ten men and a cook — but 
never call a man a cook in the army, because he does 
some funny tricks with rations that a man could not 
do, or rather, would not do. The detachment consisted 
of the following : *Dick' Bradshaw, who made himself 
famous at Rambuecourt ; 'Bob' Wilson, who would 
never admit that a 210 was more than a 155 ; 'Swede' 
Peterson, who can't be beat for strength; 'Itch' Cole, 
who was always looking for cooties or fleas; 'Doc' 
Campbell, who never swore unless Microphones No. 4 
or 5 were blown out by shell fire ; Mayo, with the Bos- 
tonian accent; 'Mac' McGovem, who loved his cognac; 
'Swede' Anderson, who was as much in love with the 
stuff as 'Mac'; Sam Weaver, who chewed his supper 
for the second time in his sleep ; and 'Kid' Raw, (nuf 
ced). But we can't forget our cook, 'Wop' Marousek. 
If he could have cooked like he 'crabbed,' he would 
have been 'some' cook. 

"From our first post we watched the preparation 



120 RANGING IN PRANCE 

of the St. Mihiel offensive, and on the morning of the 
attack we witnessed the withering fire that was poured 
into the German territory from our guns. 

"The morning of the 13th we went forward to lo- 
cate a new post, as our present location was fast being 
left behind by the advancing doughboys. Our next lo- 
cation was on the 'Croix de Vandieres,' or Hill 319. 
This post was merely a hole in the side of a trench 
which had been held by the Germans the day before. 
From this point we had a good view of the enemy 
operations, but it was unfavorable for Sound Ranging, 
so we advanced to Hill 327 — in front of our own lines, 
in No Man's Land. 

^'Picture a large hill, the back side lined with 
trenches, and on the very top our post, which from the 
outside was only a large mound of earth. This inno- 
cent looking mound proved to be an excellent dugout, 
formerly used by the Germans as a blinker station. 
The dugout was divided into two fairly large rooms. 
In one of the compartments were six bunks and at 
the time we took over the place these bunks were alive 
with German cooties, which are much larger and more 
vicious than any other species found in the trenches. 
In the other room were tables, on which were our maps, 
telephones, instruments, etc. Just outside, at the top of 
the steps, was the observer's position while on duty. 

"Daily we 'spotted' working parties or groups of 
men moving about. This information, together with 
their location, would be turned in to central, and from 
there sent to the artillery. It took these guns only a 
few minutes to get into action. One night a big Ger- 
man raiding party passed so close to our post that, 
looking cautiously through the window on the side, we 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 121 

could make out several pairs of Boche boots as they 
trudged past. 

'*0n one occasion the fog had hung over the trenches 
all the morning. Suddenly it lifted, and we detected a 
large amount of smoke from a house that we readily 
detected as a kitchen. The Huns had evidently taken 
advantage of the fog to prepare a big meal, but when 
it disappeared they were caught napping. We reported 
our observations to central, and in less than ten min- 
utes we had a barrage on the point where the 
activity was noted. Four of the shells made direct hits, 
and soon we saw the place burst into flames. 

''Much credit is due the colored troops of the 92nd 
Division. They were behind us part of the time and 
they were genuine fighters — 'German getters.' Noth- 
ing worried them, and they were all in the fight to do 
their best. When we became better acquainted with 
them, they gave us the best they had — but God help 
the white man that walked from our post to the front 
line after we made the relief at night, because these 
men knew us, and also knew that we were the last ones 
to come down at night. After that the man who walked 
that path before daylight, would undoubtedly be giving 
the folks at home an excellent opportunity to collect his 
war risk insurance money. 

"No doubt the linesmen had one of the hardest jobs 
in the section, as they were expected to keep the lines 
up at any cost and often they were not fortunate in 
getting back without a trip to the hospital. Everyone 
is afraid of shells, but it takes a man with the real stuff 
in him to escape from a heavily shelled area and then 
later return and complete the work at the same place. 
This was the duty of the linesmen and the bunch at our 
station did this on many occasions. 



122 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"There was joy unbounded in the camp of the Black 
Sheep when the news arrived that the armistice had 
been signed. Each night the sky was a mass of lights, 
resembling a Fourth of July celebration. Both sides 
were celebrating. We remained in operation for five 
days following the cessation of hostilities, and then 
*pulled up' and started on the first lap of our home- 
ward trip." 




SCENES IN BERNECOURT, WHERE THE LEFT LINES STATION OF 
S. R. S. NO. 3 WAS ESTABLISHED 




SCENES IN THE VILLAGE OF NOYIANT, WHERE S. R. 
CENTRAL WAS LOCATED 



S. NO. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 123 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE STORY OF S. R. S. NO. 3 

No finer work was performed, or no better results 
obtained in Sound Ranging during the war than 
through the efforts of the officers and men of S. R. S. 
Mo. 3. The section was in operation on the front from 
May 3, 1918, until the close of hostilities on November 
11, leaving its last location to report to Toul when the 
other sections of the Battalion left the areas of recent 
activity. A number of the officers and men who made 
up the personnel of the section were taken from S. R. S. 
No. 1 and 2, the greater number, however, coming from 
the school at Fort de St. Menge. 

The story of Section No. 3 is best told by Private 
James P. Kelly : 

This is not to be interpreted as a chronological nar- 
rative, but merely as an effort to sketch some of the 
events which mark those never-to-be-forgotten days 
when, however temporarily secure we may have felt, 
the immediate future was always uncertain. Incidents 
of more or less importance may be unintentionally, or 
for reason of policy, omitted, but justice to them, as 
much as possible, will be attempted. Moreover, the 
keen thought of even our most brilliant experience is 
apt to be dulled, or even entirely obliterated, by hap- 
pier future prospects. 

It was in the dark, dew-laden morn of May 2, 1918, 
in the ancient Fort de St. Menge, that S. R. S. No. 3 
came to life, and with unusual rapidity for a thing so 



124 RANGING IN FRANCE 

young, proceeded to make its way into the fight that 
for so long a period had terrorized humanity. 

The initial members of the doughty crew who made 
up our section were awakened at 1:30 A. M. We ate 
and then entrained, with bag and baggage, fully armed 
and equipped for that place of doubtful safety — the 
front. Like other Sound Ranging sections we were 
armed unlike any other men in the army. For, in ad- 
dition to the regulation weapons, we carried many 
others not mentioned in the I. D. R. ; such as asymtotes, 
parobolas and hyperbolas, with which equipment cer- 
tain members of the detachment were supposed to be 
familiar. There were also surveyors' instruments, mi- 
crophones, and last, but not least. Cook Pine carried 
extra rounds of vin rouge. 

Without casualty our party arrived at its destina- 
tion — Noviant, a small French village manured among 
the sloping hills of Lorraine. 

This far we had proceeded under the guidance of 
Lieutenant Gamer A. Beckett, executive, with 
Sergeant Monahan acting as intermediate. At Noviant 
Lieutenant Charles Chandler took command of the de- 
tachment. Lieutenant Perry, who had already become 
famous with S. R. S. No. 1, and Lieutenant Newkirk 
were also assigned to our section. Under their kind in- 
fluence we were immediately initiated into the mys- 
teries of removing manure from the immediate vicin- 
ity of our future home. It was our opinion at the 
start that the same rule which applied to troupe con- 
veyances: "40 hommes or 8 chevaux," applied also to 
billets, except that here we all boarded together, with 
the chevaux taking the best room. 

In a brief space of time we were ready for opera- 
tions. Our central was codically known as "Saranac 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 125 

Three." Our right observation post was called Fraser, 
as a mark of respect to Sergeant Jack Fraser, still re- 
plete with his experiences at the British front at 
Ypres. Later this post was changed to Davis, from 
Sergeant Davis, and our left became Fraser. Both 
posts were constructed under the direction of Sergeant 
Fraser. The line stations were established at points 
halfway between Central and the observation posts. 
The one on the left was in charge of Corporal Bresh- 
ears, and the other in charge of Sergeant Gibony. 

Central was located at Noviant, approximately four 
kilometers from the lines with the line stations about 
three kilometers closer to the front. One observation 
post was located at Limey and the other at Flirey, a 
ruined village in the front line; and sometimes when 
the lines moved up and back, the observers would find 
themselves in No Man's Land. 

Noviant, the seat of our operations, was a French 
village of the usual type, of two streets — the Rue 
Grande, and the other, anything one felt like naming 
it. In anti-bellum days, when hens built their nests 
in men's whiskers, it might have been a rustic village 
but it had long since been depleted by the German 
censor. A few inhabitants remained to dispense beer 
and wine at modest French prices to the soldiers. 
Prominent among these was ''Mamma," who operated 
within the law in her establishment next to our cen- 
tral. She operated at hours expressly forbidden by the 
law and for which we were exceedingly thankful. 
''Mamma," who had lost two sons in the war, loved 
every one of us, and called us by no other name than 
Mons Fils. On the opposite side of the street lived a 
fair dame of about 70 years, known by the soubriquet 
Quatre Sous, who also dispensed oil for the thirsty. 



126 RANGING IN FRANCE 

One mademoiselle of about eighteen summers, and 
probably the same number of winters, chose to remain 
in the village, and of course, was the cynosure of all 
our hungry eyes, since she was pretty, and seldom wore 
wooden shoes. 

The other towns in that sector of the front were 
shell-racked, uninhabitable ruins, monuments of the 
shamelessness and animal hatred of the Boche. Not a 
single house remained standing in the villages of Liron- 
ville. Limey or Flirey, and although in Bernecourt a 
few homes remained, the greater part of it resembled 
the wanton wreckage of the others. In every case the 
village church suffered the most, Fritz no doubt think- 
ing the tower was used as an observation post. 

With Lieutenant Chandler in command of the base, 
Lieutenant Beckett in charge of observation posts, 
Lieutenant Wallower in charge of supplies, and Lieu- 
tenant Gallaher in charge of lines, everything was 
working nicely in the section. A few weeks later Lieu- 
tenant Beckett was transferred to S. R. S. No. 2, and 
Lieutenant Weaver took charge of the observation 
posts. The work of the non-coms was first un- 
der the leadership of Sergeant Monahan, acting first 
sergeant, but was later relieved and Sergeant T. W. 
Smith assumed these duties. Sergeant Brecht took 
charge of the mechanical work and Sergeant Michaels 
was in charge of lines at central. Corporal Adams was 
supply sergeant. 

The enemy made it a practice to shoot up the en- 
tire sector almost incessantly by a process called 
"area straffing," causing a loss of life and property. 
Its particular effect upon us was to break our lines 
and consequently the linesmen had to "roll out" at any 
hour of the day or night to repair them. It would re- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 127 

quire volumes to tell of the daily incidents of personal 
bravery and cool presence of mind manifested by our 
linesmen in order to carry out the work in the excellent 
manner in which they did. 

Our first real taste of shell fire came on the morn- 
ing of May 27, when the enemy laid down a heavy 
barrage along that sector of the front which we occu- 
pied. The fire was concentrated on the ruins of Flirey, 
while the observers were on duty. Other observers not 
on duty were in a neighboring dugout. For three hours 
Fritz poured shells of large calibre into the town, 
churning the ruins and caving in dugouts, as well as 
demolishing trenches. A bursting shell threw a gaunt, 
gigantic wall on to the wires between the dugout and 
the outpost, cutting off communication with the observ- 
ers. The lines to the linesmen's station and central were 
severed in a hundred places. The American artillery 
answered the enemy's fire, causing a crossfire over the 
town. It sounded like someone had loosened the gates 
of hell. 

This section of the front at that time was held by 
the 101st Infantry, 26th Division, which suffered many 
casualties as a result of the attack. It was soon after 
this that our post at Flirey was abandoned. 

Sergeant Frazer tells of his first experiences at the 
left observation post as follows: 

"With Lieutenant Beckett and Private Wilson, I pro- 
ceeded to a point outside of the Bois de Hazel, near 
the village of Flirey. Upon arriving there. Lieutenant 
Beckett informed Wilson and I that it was to be our 
future home. After I investigated the place, and 
noticed the marks of the German artillery, and the 
numerous little mounds, each with a cross at the head 
I thought perhaps we might remain always. 



128 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"The lieutenant pointed out some of the noted land- 
marks, such as Sacrifice Ridge, Death^s Cross Roads, 
etc. 

" 'You boys should make a name for yourselves here,* 
said the officer, *if you live long enough.' He also called 
our attention to the fact that we were located exactly 
in a gap in the wire entanglements where the Germans 
would be most likely to penetrate the lines. We thought 
it kind of the lieutenant to look out for our safety in 
this respect, and thanked him. 

**The next morning I was rudely awakened by a 
guard who came into the dugout where I was sleeping, 
and gently informed me that the Boche were coming 
over. I then realized that a heavy barrage was falling 
on our section of the front, and I wondered if the Ger- 
mans had reached the gap in the wire. From that time 
until daylight we stood in the trenches, our gas masks 
on and bayonets fixed, waiting for the attack. How- 
ever, our counter battery work proved so effective that 
the enemy did not succeed in crossing No Man's Land. 

'The second night was a repetition of the first, al- 
though the enemy barrage was not so heavy. Our relief 
had come out from the line station and had taken up 
their position in the observation post while we re- 
mained in the dugout with the machine gunners. The 
alarm awakened us again. Owing to their exposed 
position, the observers had instructions to retire to the 
dugout in case of attack. As they had not put in an 
appearance at the warning signal, it became necessary 
for us to learn if they were in danger. We found them 
holding the lines with an automatic and a rifle. We 
never learned how many casualties were caused by this 
heroic pair, but at breakfast the following morning a 
captain from the 101st Machine Gun Battalion was 




RUINS IN FLIREY, WHERE S. R. S. NO. 3 HAD LEFT 
OBSERVATION POST 



wi- 




LIMEY— LOCATION OF S. R. S. NO. 3 RIGHT OBSERVATION POST 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 129 

heard to remark that he would like to find the men 
who had tried to shoot him up the evening before." 

Sergeant Fraser modestly ends his narrative con- 
cerning the left observation post almost at its begin- 
ning, but we, who were familiar with that spot, know 
he could tell much more if he desired. A trait of Eras- 
er's was to relate the humorous and forget the tragic. 
Work of great importance was carried out at the post 
under * 'Jack's" watchful eye, but when information is 
sought he invariably tells the story of Private Smulo- 
witz as a linesman. As in other sections, our lines and 
microphones were known by the code names of Abie, 
Bennie, Charlie, Eddie, and Freddie. 

Smulowitz was informed that Freddie was sick. 

*'Who the hell is Freddie," was the answer, *'has he 
been asking for me?" 

The maintenance of dwelling quarters in Flirey was 
brief. The men moved to Breshears' line station near 
Bernecourt while the outpost remained at Flirey, the 
observers retiring only when absolutely forced to do so. 
During our first two months at the front, the 
trenches had been held by the 26th Division, the first 
division to be attacked by the Germans in numbers, 
this occurring at Seicheprey, on April 20. This div- 
ision was relieved on June 27 by the 82nd, the "All 
American Division." It was during this division's stay 
on the front that it was found necessary to retire the 
line stations and outposts so frequently. 

The 82nd was on the front for the first time as a 
division and many amusing incidents are told in con- 
nection with its initial efforts. One of the men in our 
section tells of a platoon that pitched its pup tents in 
full view of the enemy observers. 

"At daybreak," said he, "we were awakened by the 



130 RANGING IN FRANCE 

blast of the bugle — a sound that is a stranger within 
several kilometers of the front. The second morning we 
were awakened by a gas alarm at 2 A. M. Lieutenant 
Chandler stepped out to investigate. He learned that 
a cloud of gas had been observed floating across the 
fields in our direction. Further investigation, when 
the first streaks of daylight appeared, revealed that 
the much-feared gas cloud was only steam from a dis- 
tant manure pile. 

One of the linesmen at the left line station at Berne- 
court, tells of the experiences of the men at that point 
as follows: 

''When the station was established in Bernecourt, 
Corporal A. J. Breshears was placed in charge, with 
Privates Paxton and Moon assisting him in the work. 
We were at first quartered with French soldiers. We 
were a little crowded, but managed to get along very 
well for about two weeks. We then received three more 
men. They were Joe Jordan, Thomas Miller and Wil- 
liam Ring. The last night we spent with the French, 
Jordan fell asleep with his gas mask on. When he 
awoke he contended he was gassed. 

"We soon moved into a dugout along the road which 
Fritz shelled daily. It was while we were billeted at 
the latter place that Corporal Breshears and Private 
Ring were splicing a line which was through a barb 
wire entanglement one night when Fritz opened up a 
barrage in that vicinity. Between the barb wire and 
the bursting shells, the boys had a thrilling experience. 

"Our next home was an old French anti-aircraft 
position, which proved to be the most comfortable of 
all. It was soon after this that Private Ring was trans- 
ferred to another section and "Fat" Berry was sent 
to us instead. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 131 

"We had a congenial bunch of boys. We dropped 
asleep over the telephone occasionally, but when men 
were needed to go out on the shell-swept fields to re- 
pair the communication lines, no one ever displayed 
the "white feather." 

"The observers came to live with us and each took 
his turn in the culinary department. We 'lived the life 
of Riley,' despite the fact that we were less than a kil- 
ometer from the front line and in an area that was con- 
tinually shelled. We were never short of rations ex- 
cept when some ambitious cook would try to win the 
prize for putting out the best mess, and then we would 
be compelled to eat 'Canned Bill' and hard tack until 
the ration wagon came down again. The original group 
of observers were Davis, Downing, Wilson, Jordan, 
Woodford and Risk. Later, Davis was replaced by 
Fraser; and Downing and Wilson went to Section No. 
2. Webster and Snell were sent to our section. Later 
Barry was replaced by Eckfield. Private Sampson en- 
dured the company of the observers for a few days, 
but he returned to Central, where he found the ele- 
ment not so rough." 

On the morning of August 4, a box barrage was 
scheduled to precede a detachment of the 82nd Division 
which was going over the top for the first time. Four 
days previous, French 75's had been placed in position, 
and when the morning arrived, the Americans were 
able to put over a heavy barrage along that section of 
the front. 

At the zero hour, 4 o'clock, all the batteries, in- 
cluding the heavies and French naval guns, opened up 
simultaneously, and instantly the sky was a scene of 
weird shifting lights, as if the aurora borealis had 
moved into our section. The vicious barking of hund- 



132 RANGING IN FRANCE 

reds of guns and the unceasing swish and whir through 
the air, and the vivid fact that our boys were going 
over, removed all comparison from the mind. More- 
over, the crunch of Boche shells bursting near the ob- 
servation post and line stations made us feel that it 
was still a war on both sides. The point of concentra- 
tion was in the vicinity of Flirey, and for two hours 
the artillery duel continued. This was followed by the 
penetrating of the enemy's line by the Americans in 
search of prisoners. 

One night Sergeant Davis reported, in a stage 
whisper over the telephone, that a Boche patrol was out 
in front of his post. He could not talk, but reserved his 
data until morning. Later, to his chagrin, he learned 
that he had seen an American patrol. 

On August 5th the 82d Division was relieved by the 
89th, a formidable bunch of huskies from Camp Fun- 
ston. They proved to be as good as they looked. 

With the coming of the 89th, the Germans appeared 
to increase their artillery action over what it had been 
for several weeks. On August 11th it became necessary 
to move one of the observation posts again, and upon 
this occasion we established liaison with a French 
Ranging outfit. 

The first two weeks the 89th Division staid with 
us were memorable. In addition to moving one observa- 
tion post it became necessary to be more cautious while 
at the other. 

On the morning of August 14, Sergeant Giboney 
was severely wounded while on duty at the observation 
post. He received a deep gash in the left leg from a 
shell fragment that penetrated the dugout. He refused 




COOKS SMITH AND LEOBOLD 
A FRENCHMAN "READING HIS SHIRT" 




SERGEANT "RUCK" BRESHEARS AND THE LINESMEN'S DUGOUT 

AT BERNECOURT 

RUINS AT SAMPIGNY 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 133 

to be relieved from duty until blood poisoning forced 
him to do so. 

It was about this time that a 77 dud came through 
the dugout where Bill Parker was cooking dinner with 
one (and the only) Private Bill Rivers. In the mean- 
time Central had been shelled heavily, but escaped with 
shattered ceilings, doors and windows. Two weeks 
later the village was bombed by German planes, which 
resulted in some of the buildings near Central being 
demolished. 

In the early part of September rumors of the im- 
pending American drive from Verdun to Pont-a-Mous- 
son were current. Every night additional guns were 
brought up and placed in position for the coming bat- 
tle. The lumbering tanks arrived; and then came the 
day before the offensive was to begin. On the night 
previous to the opening of the attack, French 75's were 
actually placed in front of our first line — in No Man's 
Land. They were used in that position until forced to 
move forward the next day, over the hastily constructed 
bridges thrown over the trenches. 

Owing to the heavy traffic the night preceding the 
drive, it was almost impossible to keep up communica- 
tion between Central and the observation posts. 

It was nearing the zero hour. One of the linesmen 
looked at the watch — 

"Let her go, boys !" he sang out. 

As if in answer to his jovial command, the guns 
burst forth all along the front, and the Great American 
Drive was on. 

When we moved our base to the new position, now 
much nearer to Metz, our Central was at St. Maurice, 
a distance of 33 kilometers from Noviant. The little 
picturesque village of St. Maurice is located in a small 



134 RANGING IN FRANCE 

valley and is one of the most beautiful spots in Lor- 
raine. Dotting the lines in front of us at seemingly 
well-balanced intervals could be seen many of the vil- 
lages about which the battle now raged. On our right 
were the towns of Vieville, Hattonville, and Vigneulles, 
while on our left were Thillot, Hannonville, and Herb- 
enville. In front of us were the towns of Avillers and 
Woel. 

St. Maurice was occupied by French troops when 
we arrived. We immediately made ourselves at home. 
The village was perhaps the least shelled of any of the 
villages in that section, its only ruins being at the cross 
roads, where the Americans had dropped a number of 
large calibre shells during the big offensive. A few 
of the buildings, however, were blown up by the Ger- 
mans on leaving the village. But despite the recent 
activities, two French families remained in the town. 

We were impressed with the evidence on every side 
that the Germans made themselves as comfortable as 
possible. It was apparent they believed that they would 
never be compelled to relinquish their claim upon the 
conquered territory. All the houses in the village had 
been used for billetting purposes. Even the old church 
had accommodations for 100 men. 

Many drinking places were in evidence, a few bowl- 
ing alleys, and three motion picture theatres. In the 
rear of the town along the sides of the valley and in the 
valley itself were a number of beautiful bungalows. On 
a slight shelf in the side of the hill, near a crossroads, 
we made our home. We were billetted in a pretty little 
wooden theatre, and a short distance away, in a bunga- 
low, we established our central. 

We occupied the theatre but a few days, however, 
as the activity of the enemy artillery increased and 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 135 

forced us to vacate these quarters. The shells burst 
near the building and the shrapnel and shell fragments 
penetrated the walls. We then moved to a reinforced 
dugout at the end of the town. It had originally been a 
cellar, but the Germans had converted it into a bomb- 
proof dugout. Stoves were plentiful; also wood and 
coal. We had running water and a shower bath in the 
village, all of which were greatly needed and appreci- 
ated by the boys in the sector. Naturally we could not 
help but feel just a little grateful to John Boche for 
leaving things in such an excellent condition for us. It 
is not likely that he intentionally left it for us, for if 
he had been given time he certainly would have de- 
stroyed all property of value. 

It was about this time that changes in the way of 
promotions were made, and Sergeant Michaels was 
transferred to Section No. 4, he being promoted to the 
rank of Sergeant First Class. Corporal Breshears was 
promoted to a sergeant and assumed the duties for- 
merly performed by Sergeant Michaels. 

Much of our spare time at St. Maurice was spent 
in hunting for souvenirs, and in this respect we were 
quite fortunate. We were the only Americans in the 
village. For the first time since arriving in France, 
we enjoyed the luxury of feather beds, they being se- 
cured from quarters vacated by the Germans. 

One afternoon while Private Paul and Stanwood 
were searching through the ruins of a house that had 
been hit by an American shell during the St. Mihiel 
offensive, they picked up a two-franc piece of the 
regime of Napoleon I. Further investigation uncovered 
thirty more similar coins. Darkness had by this time 
set in, but the next day the search was resumed, with 
practically the entire detachment present. The treas- 



136 RANGING IN FRANCE 

ure-hunting expedition resulted in ninety more pieces 
of silver being unearthed. The men also made a grue- 
some discovery in the form of a dead Boche who had 
fallen a victim to the American shell that partially de- 
stroyed the building. A barber's outfit and a quantity 
of artillery ammunition were uncovered. A Luger and 
an Austrian pistol were taken from the same place. 

Private F. L. Jordan, whose ambition was to carry 
home a 77 hooked to his belt, dug fruitlessly for three 
days with a pick and shovel for the treasure chest he 
thought buried in the ruins. 

The success of our sector in locating enemy batteries 
and ranging friendly artillery was the source of much 
gratification on the part of the officers in charge. The 
night of November 10 was marked by a German bar- 
rage, and heavy counter fire from our guns. 

Preparations were under way for the Allied drive 
by which Metz was to be isolated when the joyful news 
that the armistice had been signed was proclaimed. 
The scenes incident to the closing of the war were 
similar to those on other sections of the front. 



"^ 



VVatr. 





FLde Jnt 





WITH FLASH AND SOUND 137 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE 

/ ivill not await the end of the operations in which 
the American Army is engaged to congratulate you, Mr, 
President, on a victory, of which the first stage has 
been completed so bi^illiantly. General Per'shing's mag- 
nificent divisions, fraternally seconded by the French 
troops, have just liberated, with admirable dash, cities 
and villages of Lorraine, which had been groaning for 
years under the enemy's yoke, I express the warmest 
thanks of France to the people of the United States. 
Let me add, to them, the expression of my deep personal 
feeling. For a quarter of a century I represented the 
regions delivered today, in the French Chambers. I 
know more than anybody how patriotic their population 
are, how attached they are to law and liberty; how 
faithful also is their heart. The great sister Republic 
may be assured of their eternal gratitude. — President 
Poincare to President Wilson. 

Saint Mihiel, you have seen how vigorously and 
successfully the operation was conducted by the Ameri- 
cans. This, where for the first time, they showed their 
worth: this is where we were able to judge of these 
admirable soldiers, strong in body and valiant in soul. 
In one swoop they reduced the famous salient, which 
duHng so long we did not know how to approach. — 
Marshal Foch. 

In the name of the country, I offer our hearty and 
unmeasured thanks to those splendid Americans of the 
1st, 2nd, Jlfth, 5th Corps and the 1st, 2nd, Ath, 5th, 26th, 
U2nd, 82nd, S9th and 90th Divisions, which were en- 
gaged in the St. Mihiel offensive, and of the 3rd, 35th, 
78th, 80th and 91st Divisions, which were in reserve. — 
John J. Pershing. 



138 RANGING IN FRANCE 

To spend six months under the very brow of Mont 
Sec and other seemingly impregnable positions held by 
the Germans on the heights of the Meuse, and then to 
see these strongholds wiped out in a single day was 
the experience of many Sound Rangers in the Toul 
sector. 

The ablest writers have tried to describe the daz- 
zling spectacle of the St. Mihiel drive, but in all the 
graphic stories none seems to have succeeded in bring- 
ing out the picture that haunts the memories of those 
who participated in the great American achievement. 
It is impossible to express in words this colossal 
event in military history and do justice to the hap- 
penings on that memorable date of September 12, 
when the First American Army, that irresistible force 
of 600,000 men, reduced the famous salient. This at 
a cost of only 7000 casualties, but which resulted in the 
capture of 16,000 prisoners and 443 guns, a great quan- 
tity of material and the liberation of the inhabitants of 
150 square miles of territory. In addition to these 
achievements, the victory placed the American forces 
in a position to threaten Metz. 

The preparations for the big drive began in earnest 
about September 1. During the day there would be no 
activity behind that part of the American territory, 
under observation from the German positions. To all 
appearances there was the same tranquility that had 
prevailed during the summer. But with the approach 
of darkness the scene changed. All roads leading to 
the front, or within a kilometer of the first line 
trenches, and in many places closer, were congested 
with ammunition trains, artillery, etc., until the first 
streak of dawn made its appearance. Then the 
trucks, ammunition carts, etc., would fade away and 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 139 

when the German observers scanned the territory 
below them they would find nothing to betray the 
action of the Americans, a few hours before. All 
artillery brought up during the night was carefully 
camouflaged. Every old position was occupied and 
75s, 150s and pieces of larger calibre were placed in 
every strategic position. Many of the guns were set 
up in the open, camouflaged with screening interwoven 
with cloth painted in colors to conform with the sur- 
rounding landscape. 

As the days passed the activity increased and at 
night, the roar in the woods just back of the lines was 
not unlike that of a mighty ocean. It was here that 
the heavy artillery was being placed and the rumble 
of the trucks, as they brought up the ammunition and 
the puffing of the locomotive on the narrow gauge 
railroads, no doubt, could be heard behind the German 
lines. It was distinctly audible to the Sound Ranging 
observers in the American trenches, and the enemy was 
less than a mile away. 

While it was evident to the Germans, according to 
stories told by prisoners, that an attack was imminent, 
they were surprised by at least four days, and also by 
the number of troops that the Americans had assem- 
bled for the drive. 

The linesmen in the Flash and Sound Ranging 
Section will never forget the few days prior to the at- 
tack. It was almost an impossibility to keep the wires 
intact, owing to the heavy traffic. Wires that were 
laid in lead cables under roadways were cut by the 
heavy wheels of the trucks sinking into the ground. 
Wires strung across fields were buried in the ground 
by the heavy tractors as they hauled the big guns into 
position. The villages just back of the lines were con- 



140 RANGING IN FRANCE 

verted into ammunition dumps. The linesmen at one 
of the stations, awoke the morning before the drive and 
found their dugout almost hidden by shells of 75 and 
150 calibre. There appeared to be a gun and a gen- 
erous supply of shells under every bush on the 
American front. 

There was the atmosphere of expectancy, the knowl- 
edge that something of great importance was going to 
transpire. For many months those who had remained 
in this sector had waited for this very thing. During 
this period our position had been dominated by the St. 
Mihiel hills, and as Major Palmer tersely describes the 
situation, "It was like sitting at the foot of the stairs 
and having the fellow at the top throw rocks at you 
from behind a curtain." 

Now, would the Americans be able to take these 
positions, where the French had lost so many thousand 
gallant soldiers during the early days of the war? 
Would General Pershing's divisions be able to turn 
the tables on the Huns, who had held this area for 
four years? 

Secrecy surrounded the exact date on which the 
attack was to be launched. But early on the morning 
of September 11, it was plainly evident that the next 
day would see the beginning of the drive. Definite 
information was secured that 1 o'clock was the zero 
hour. During the night various companies had al- 
ready come as far as the village behind the American 
lines, to make room for the hundreds of thousands of 
others who were assembling in the woods in the rear. 
Hundreds of machine guns, tanks, etc., were also clev- 
erly hidden in the woods and nearby villages. The 
greatest assemblage of American, British and French 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 141 

aviation ever employed for a single operation on the 
Western front, awaited the coming battle. 

But it was not until after night had thrown her 
somber mantle over the battle front did the Americans 
move forward to the trenches from the woods and 
villages in the rear, General Pershing and his subord- 
inates accomplishing the remarkable feat of bringing 
up over a half million men under cover of darkness. 

The day had been wet and foggy, and soon after 
dark a heavy downpour of rain began, turning the 
roads into mud, with the water running in torrents 
on either side. The guns were silent as the dense 
masses of infantry began moving toward the front. 

It was now that every highway and lane leading 
from the rear to the trenches became filled with Ameri- 
can infantry, plodding through the mud, the water run- 
ning in streams from the steel helmets and soaking 
the men to the skin. They carried light packs, con- 
sisting of one blanket, a shelter half and mess kit. 
Besides their rifles they carried extra bandoliers filled 
with cartridges. The grenade throwers wore their 
aprons, filled with the deadly "eggs," so greatly feared 
by the Germans. Silently the men splashed through 
the mud and water. Many of them already veterans 
who had repulsed the invading Huns at Chateau- 
Thierry and Belleau Woods. The 1st Division, which 
had gone into the line here for the first time many 
months before to learn the rudiments of the war game, 
were now going back to complete the work, which they 
were the first to start. They filed into the trenches 
in front of Xivray, where the Germans had made their 
last effort to break through on the American front. 
Down through Beaumont into the front line in the 
vicinity of Seicheprey, where the gallant little band 



142 RANGING IN FRANCE 

from the 102nd Infantry was almost wiped out by the 
Huns who failed to pierce their line on April 20, the 
infantry of the noble 42nd took up their position. 
Warriors who had stood the test when the German 
hordes were thrown against them at Champagne on 
July 15. The 89th Division, which had once before 
been on this front held the line on the right of the 42nd, 
or in the vicinity of Flirey. 

The 2nd Division including the immortal 5th and 
6th Marines, the heroes of the Bois de Belleau, took 
the line at Remenauville, they being assigned to take 
the German strongholds along the Rupt de Mad and 
the little city of Thiaucourt. The right of the 2nd Divi- 
sion was the 5th Division, United States Regulars, 
while the 90th Division, National Army troops from 
Texas and Oklahoma, took up a position on the Moselle 
in front of Pont-a-Mousson. The 82nd Division held 
the right bank of the Moselle. 

In his report to the Secretary of War, General 
Pershing outlined his plan of attack as follows : 

"From Les Eparges, around the nose of the salient 
of St. Mihiel to the Moselle River, the line was roughly 
40 miles long and situated on commanding ground, 
greatly strengthened by artificial defenses. Our 1st 
Corps, (82nd, 90th, 5th and 2nd Divisions) under 
command of Major General Hunter Liggett, resting its 
right on Pont-a-Mousson, with its left joining our 4th 
Corps, (the 89th, 42nd and 1st Divisions) under Major 
General Joseph T. Dickman, in line to Xivray, were to 
swing in toward Vigneulles on the pivot of the Moselle 
River for the initial assault. 

"From Xivray to Mouilly the 2nd Colonial French 
Corps was in line in the center, and our 5th Corps, 
under command of Major General S. Cameron, with the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 143 

26th and 4th United States Divisions and a French 
Division at the western base of the salient were to 
attack three different hills, Les Esparges, Combres 
and Amaranther. Our 1st Corps had in reserve the 
78th Division, our 4th Corps, the 3rd Division, and 
our 1st Army, the 25th and 91st Division, with the 
80th and 33rd available." 

The time was drawing near the "zero" hour. The 
troops, which had for hours been "coming up and 
going in," were huddled in the most advanced position, 
all waiting patiently in the downpouring rain for the 
order to go over. There had been no activity on the 
part of the American artillery. Earlier in the evening 
Fritz had tossed over two or three 77s at intervals 
and then the front settled down to await the opening 
of the first great battle of the American Army in 
Europe. 

It is 1 o'clock and those of the half million men 
who knew the hour, waited nervously to hear the open- 
ing of the bombardment. They had not long to wait. 
Away over on the left, in the vicinity of Buconville, 
about opposite Mont Sec, was heard the sharp report of 
a 75, a heavier gun on the right seemed to answer it, 
and then suddenly the entire sky along the front 
burst into flame with a roar that baffles all descrip- 
tion. The sharp report of the 75s was almost drowned 
by the crash of the heavier artillery, including the big 
naval rifles, brought to assist in the reduction of the 
enemy positions. The shells burst in running crashes 
up and down the enemy lines. A cataract of shells 
poured down upon Mont Sec, tearing great sides in the 
hill and demolishing the enemy observation posts. The 
enemy trenches crumbled and great gaps were torn in 
the barbed-wire entanglements. 



144 RANGING IN FRANCE 

The enemy was powerless under such a tornado of 
shell fire. In a feeble attempt the Germans attempted 
a counter artillery fire, but within 30 minutes what 
few batteries had opened up were smothered. 

The rolling barrage started at 5 o'clock, and im- 
mediately the infantry went over the top. 

When General Pershing stated that the Americans 
went through the enemy lines in "irresistible waves" 
he could not have used a more expressive phrase. 
Pressing onward the 1st Corps took Thiaucourt, while 
the 4th Corps curved back toward Nonsard. The 39th 
French Division captured Apremont, Loupmont and 
Mont Sec, forcing the Germans to engage a large part 
of their forces in action and delaying their retreat by 
a road which they had planned, leading through Heudi- 
court, Vigneulles and St. Benoit. This road was al- 
ready threatened by the 1st Division, which had been 
pushing hard all the afternoon to reach and cut this 
road, the St. Mihiel-Gorze Highway. During this time 
the tanks were waddling about in advance of the in- 
fantry, destroying the machine gun nests wherever 
encountered. 

Early in the afternoon, tanks and a squadron of the 
2nd United States Cavalry, closely supported by in- 
fantry, plunged through the Bois de Nonsard and Bois 
de Creue, and by 4 o'clock had crossed the road. They 
were too few in number, however, to stop the frantic 
retreat of the Germans, although many prisoners were 
captured by these units. 

The 26th United States and the 15th French Co- 
lonial Infantry Divisions of the 5th Corps, had by 
noon reached the crest of the hill of Les Eparges, but 




MONT SEC (OR HILL 380). THE GERMAN TRENCHES WERE IN 

FRONT OF WOODS. PICTURE SHOWS SECTION OF 

NO MAN'S LAND. 




SECTION OF TRENCHES HELD RY AMERICAN TROOPS ON OLD 
LORRAINE FRONT 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 145 

not without hard fighting. The 26th French Infantry 
and the 2nd French Cavalry Divisions engaged the 
Germans around the nose of the salient, and captured 
St. Mihiel. 

At 6 o'clock in the evening, a brigade of the 3rd 
Division was sent up to reinforce the 1st Division, 
and the latter's left flank was pushed eastward. By 
10 o'clock a company of the 28th Infantry was thrown 
across the important road, cutting off further retreat 
of the enemy. At 3 o'clock, detachments from the 1st 
Division were in the outskirits of both Vigneules and 
Hattonchatel, closing the remaining roads. 

Late in the evening the 26th Division received 
orders to push a brigade forward to Vigneulles to join 
hands with the 1st Division, this closing the gap. The 
reliable old 102nd was chosen for the task, and it was 
here that the New England lads made their famous 
night march through a country simply infested with 
the enemy. For over five miles, with bayonets fixed, 
with Colonel Hiram Bearss commanding, they plunged 
through the inky darkness. And in the darkness cap- 
tured 280 prisoners and completed their mission before 
daylight. 

The 89th and 42nd Divisions, part of the 4th Corps, 
had pushed forward, although with longer distance to 
cover, moved forward with as rapid strides as the 
troops of the 1st Corps, and by evening the former held 
Beney and Xammes, with the 42nd well north of 
Pannes, in the Bois de Thiaucourt. The 1st Division, 
which also belonged to the 4th, had met stubborn re- 
sistance in a small woodland between Lahayville and 
Nonsard, to take these woods it cost the Division 600 
casualties. 

The 2nd Division met with much opposition in its 



146 RANGING IN FRANCE 

attack on Thiaucourt, the largest town in the salient. 
The fighting was carried through the broken country 
bordering on the heights of the Rupt de Mad. At 
Thiaucourt the 2nd Division repulsed a counter attack, 
losing in its operations there, five officers and 81 en- 
listed men killed, and nine officers 274 enlisted men 
wounded. However, this division took from the enemy 
over 3000 prisoners, including 74 officers, 92 pieces of 
artillery, including some guns of eight-inch calibre, 
6000 rifles and 200 machine guns, over $5,000,000 
worth of ammunition, a hospital train, complete, with 
locomotive and other railroad equipment. 

In the woods formerly held by the enemy were vast 
quantities of military stores abandoned in the hasty 
retreat. Large cantonments, fitted up with every con- 
venience for the troops, were found. Places of amuse- 
ment, such as parks, where band concerts were held, 
bowling alleys, etc., were scattered throughout the area. 

Soon after daylight the German prisoners came 
streaming to the rear, in groups herded by grinning 
"doughboys,'* many of whom had received slight 
injuries. 

By 7 o'clock the light artillery began moving up, as 
the Americans were forcing the Germans beyond range 
of the 75s. The roads now became congested with 
streams of men, horses and vehicles. Gun carriages, 
caissons, limbers, trucks, ammunition carts, rations 
wagons and cavalry filled the roads for many miles. 
This mighty caravan reached what had once 
been No Man's Land, but it did not stop there. It 
penetrated into the salient that had so recently been 
vacated by the enemy. Over the shell-torn roads, 
which the engineers had temporarily repaired, the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 147 

troops moved on. The great American Army moving 
to reap the benefit of its swift and spectacular victory. 

During this time the Sound and Flash Ranging ob- 
servers had not been idle. Following soon after the 
infantry, they established posts in advanced positions 
and continued to give valuable information regarding 
the activities within the salient. The Allied planes 
completely dominated the air, driving back all enemy 
planes and furnishing data on the movement of both 
enemy and friendly troops. Once or twice a German 
balloon appeared for a few minutes above the horizon, 
but was hastily drawn down again. 

On the left Mont Sec resembled a smoking volcano, 
as the shells from the large calibre guns burst upon 
this former German stronghold. 

That night, from points on the Metz-St. Dizier Road 
and the observation posts could be seen the burning 
towns, along the heights of the Meuse that the Ger- 
mans had fired before deserting them. 

The initial effort of the new First American Army 
had been a success. 

The officers and men of S. R. S. No. 1 moved into 
St. Benoit on the evening of September 15, three days 
after the beginning of the St. Mihiel drive, for the pur- 
pose of establishing a new base, in order to locate the 
enemy artillery in front of Metz. Also to further gen- 
eral information to the Intelligence Headquarters. 

At that time St. Benoit was only a few hundred 
yards behind the American front line and was con- 
stantly the target for the German guns. Conditions 
were now much different than on the old front. It was 
now open warfare with no dugouts or trenches. While 
there were a number of German dugouts, they, of 



148 RANGING IN FRANCE 

course, faced the wrong way, and their exact location 
known to the enemy. 

The experiences of the Sound Rangers at St. Benoit 
are told by Observer Cobb, as follows : 

'The next morning after arriving in the village, 
we started the work of stringing the wire for the new 
base. One observation post was to be located at Louis- 
ville farm, our front line being just in front of this 
place. On arriving at St. Benoit we were billeted in 
a stone building in which central was also located, the 
apparatus being installed while the lines were being 
strung along the front to the microphones and the 
observation posts. Never had a Sound Ranging Cen- 
tral been placed so close to the front lines, and this 
step was to be regretted later. Owing to the proximity 
of the central to the front, it was also used as the left 
line station, while the right line station was established 
at Beney, with the right observation post just back of 
Xammes. 

"On the second evening of our stay in St. Benoit, we 
got our first baptism of fire in that village. A battery 
of 77s, which appeared to be hardly a mile away, began 
shelling our billets, and the other buildings that opened 
on the court yard. So close was the battery that the 
sound of the gun and the projectile reached us simul- 
taneously. One shell tore a hole through the side of a 
stable across the court yard, just missing a mule, 
which was inside contentedly eating hay. Seeing an 
opening so conveniently near him, the mule thrust his 
head through the opening and surveyed the premises — 
never for a moment allowing his attention to be de- 
tracted from the hay. 

"That night the famous Alabama regiment of the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 149 

42nd Divisiorx formed a raiding party and went over 
into the woods and captured the battery. 

'*In the window of a small wooden shack at the 
Louisville farm house, we established our observation 
post, carefully camouflaged in order that the enemy 
might not locate our position. Our front line was just 
in front of the farm house. 

"Observers Hoist and Nave went on duty at the new 
post the morning after the base was installed and it 
was a strenuous day they passed. Fritz evidently 
realized that the Americans occupied the farm house 
for he kept up a harrassing fire in that locality all 
day. The shell fragments easily penetrated the thin 
wooden walls, making the place anything but safe for 
its occupants. That night the post was moved to an- 
other position, a short distance away, that had a stone 
wall in front for protection. Here the observers could 
look through a gate in the wall and easily duck the fly- 
ing fragments. 

''Friday night, September 30, saw the end of the 
farm house as a desirable location for our post. With 
Observers Ash and Eneix, I was on duty. The only 
protection besides the stone wall which we had was 
a 'fox hole,' dug close behind the wall and covered over 
with boards, stones and dirt. The only protection this 
afforded, however, was from shell fragments. A direct 
hit from a 77 would wipe the place from the earth. 
At 2 o'clock Fritz began shelling with 105s, the line 
of 'fox holes,' held by the infantry, and soon the range 
was increased and the projectiles began dropping in 
our immediate vicinity. Two observers would remain 
in the 'fox hole' while the third would, upon hearing 
the report of the gun, snap down the switch on the 
board arranged a few feet away, which would start the 



150 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Sound Ranging apparatus in motion before the sound 
wave reached the microphones. The observer v^ho 
performed this feat would be showered with rocks, dirt 
and sometimes shell fragments before he could jump 
to a protected position. It then became quite evident 
that the enemy intended to wipe out the farm house. 
The shells had severed our connection with central 
and for the present we were unable to do anything 
further. 

"In the cellar of one of the barns on the farm 
was a fairly well protected room, which a medical 
unit was occupying. We decided to retreat to this place. 
The cellar was 50 yards away. Although it was a 
moonlight night, we could hardly see our way owing to 
the dense smoke from the bursting shells. Hardly had 
we entered the cellar when we heard cries and groans 
emanating from above. We dashed upstairs with a 
light, to find a lieutenant and a private had been badly 
injured by the shell fragments, while asleep on the 
floor. The men were taken below to the dressing 
station, where they received first aid from the medical 
corps. 

*The puddles of blood on the floor, the dense clouds 
of powder smoke and the ghastly faces of the wounded 
men made us think that Sherman did not make his 
famous words strong enough when referring to war. 
Other men were now being brought into the dressing 
station. Infantrymen who had been hit while in line 
in front of the farmhouse. But little could be done for 
some of them, so serious were their wounds. Then 
came the gas, and the masks were worn until it was 
thought safe to remove them. 

"When the shelling ceased two hours later we re- 
turned to our post. Our fox hole was untouched, but 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 151 

the frame shack, which we had formerly occupied, had 
been hit and tossed over into a neighboring garden, 
broken into a hundred pieces. The next day the post 
was moved to a short distance away to a strong culvert, 
under the St. Benoit-Dampvitoux Road, which had 
not received a great deal of shelling up to that date. 
But the first night the post operated it was heavily 
shelled, as Observers Jenkins, Hilt and Fordyce will 
readily testify. 

"At the central in St. Benoit, affairs were progress- 
ing favorably. But for the daily shelling of the village 
with his heavy artillery, conditions could have been 
worse. Another regrettable feature was the presence 
of the fleas and cooties of the German variety, which 
forced their attention upon us. The enemy artillery 
action culminated in the destruction of the beautiful 
chateau in the west end of the village. The chateau, 
the property of the son of President Poincaire, with 
its spacious grounds, was one of the most beautiful 
places of the kind in France. For four years the Ger- 
mans had used it as headquarters for the army on that 
section of the front. When the Americans captured 
the town they found the chateau practically untouched. 
It was the telephone central for that area and in the 
chateau was found a switchboard with 1500 "drops.** 

"The Americans used the chateau as 84th Brigade 
Headquarters, no less a personage than the Brigadier 
General establishing his office and sleeping quarters in 
its spacious rooms. The chateau was beautifully be- 
decked with hangings and tapestries such as would 
make the American hostess the proudest person in the 
world. Its rugs and oil paintings representing some 
of the best work in Europe. The furniture, beautifully 
upholstered, the statuary and antiques were magnifi- 



152 RANGING IN FRANCE 

cently displayed. On the evening of September 23, it 
was quite evident that the enemy v^^as getting the range 
of the chateau, and, fearing further trouble, the 84th 
Brigade moved its headquarters elsewhere. It was 3 
o'clock in the afternoon when the Germans started 
throwing incendiary shells of large calibre into the 
place. The first hit squarely on the gabled roof, pro- 
ducing great volumes of smoke and fire. Within two 
hours, so destructive was the fire, that the chateau had 
been razed to the ground with the exception of the 
inflammable brick chimneys and walls. 

*' Meanwhile, under the supervision of Sergeants 
Kietel and Drummond, the construction of a large dug- 
out in the angle of the building which the Sound 
Rangers occupied, was started. The dugout did not 
provide room for all the members of the detachment 
and some of the men had bunks in the cellar, while 
others had their sleeping quarters in a dugout about 
150 yards away, which had been constructed by the 
Germans. Such were the conditions of things when 
the enemy saturated the village with gas on the night 
of October 1. As a result of which all of the officers 
and about 20 enlisted men were sent to the hospital, 
all more or less affected by the gas. 

"It was soon after 9 o'clock when Fritz began drop- 
ping the big 210s close to our billet. The first pro- 
jectile went over the building and burst in a small 
pond about 50 yards away. Two minutes later the 
whining noise of the shell was heard, and before it 
struck, the veterans in the Sound Ranging knew it 
would hit the building. 

" 'I knew,* said one of the linesmen, in the cellar, 
*that it had our initials on it.' 

"The intruder proved to be a mustard gas shell. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 153 

Hitting the building it tore down through the roof 
directly over the room where Lieutenant Van Vechtan 
was sleeping. It crashed into the partition against 
which his bed was placed, bursting on the second floor. 
The partition was demolished, burying the officer be- 
neath the wreckage. The explosion tore out the 
greater part of the floor and wrecked the supply room 
below. Beneath this room was the cellar, and the 
fragments tore great holes in the floor carrying the 
gas to the men below. Of the five men in the cellar. 
Sergeant Hinman is the only one who was not perma- 
nently affected by the gas. Private Benson was the 
most seriously injured. The poison liquid splashed 
upon him and for many months he laid in Base Hospital 
82, at Toul, unable to see and suffering with body burns 
so serious that it seemed almost impossible for them 
to heal. Lieutenant Van Vechtan was for months in 
a serious condition. His escape was miraculous. Bur- 
ied by the wreckage, he managed to extricate himself 
and reach the rooms below, where the central apparatus 
was located. In the cellar besides Sergeant Hinman 
and Private Benson were, Waggoners Miller and Eng- 
holm and Private Gregory. Grasping clothing and 
gas masks the men rushed from the cellar and into the 
dugout on the opposite side of the building. The enemy 
did not cease with what he had already accomplished. 
For four hours he continued to gas the town. During 
this time the men were huddled together in the dugout, 
keeping on their gas masks. Keeping a stifling gas 
mask on for four hours or more is an extremely hard 
thing to do and one is sorely tempted to tear off the 
nose bag for just one breath of air, regardless of how 
poisonous it may be. It was between 1 and 2 o'clock 
when it was thought safe to remove the masks. Most 



154 RANGING IN FRANCE 

of them laid down for a brief rest, but three hours later, 
the dugout was filled with groans of the men as the 
gas began to take effect. The water was streaming 
from their eyes and the continual vomiting of some of 
them showed very plainly how deathly sick they were. 
At dawn Sergeant Schies took Lieutenant Van Vech- 
tan. Sergeants Drummond and Hinman and Private 
Benson to the first aid station in the basement of the 
old chateau, where they were placed in an ambulance 
and sent to a hosptial at Toul. Before night 20 more 
had been overcome and taken to the hospitals in the 
rear. Among the latter were the men on duty at cen- 
tral during the night, who, during the gas attack, had 
nobly stayed at their post, plotting the guns that were 
firing and turning the information into the Intelligence 
Office of that section of the front." 

The same day the central was removed to Lamarche, 
a village about three miles in the rear. 

While these stirring scenes were being enacted, 
equally exciting times were being experienced by the 
men at the right line station at Beney, which was in 
charge of Sergeant Kurzensky. The right observa- 
tion post had been established just back of Xammes, 
which was the Americans* first line for several weeks 
following the St. Mihiel offensive. The post was hid- 
den in a small hedge in the middle of a field. 

Beney was one of the villages that the enemy shelled 
almost continuously. At any time of the day or night 
a tornado of shells might strike the town, demolishing 
buildings, leaving the dead and wounded in the streets 
or in the wreckage of the buildings. The streets were 
usually strewn with dead horses and mules. 

Corporal Breshears gives the trend of happenings 
and the conditions in Beney as follows: 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 155 

"Our microphone and telephone lines were strung 
on the ground just in front of the village. One of the 
microphones was located in the edge of Thiaucourt and 
the other two along the Thiaucourt-St. Benoit Road, 
The dugouts we occupied were inhabitable in dry- 
weather. When it rained we had a miniature nata- 
torium beneath our bunks. Of course the shelling 
never became so intense that the ever-popular game of 
poker did not flourish. I remember quite distinctly 
one night I was just getting ready to bet my month's 
wages on a 'straight,' when Fritz dropped a 77 on the 
end of our dugout. The concussion put out our candles 
and the gas from the shell was soon heavy inside. 
After the scramble for our masks, the hands became 
mixed, and I lost the 'pot.' 

'Trobably Krogh and Thomas, two of the linesmen 
at our station, will ever remember the evening they 
laid in the ditch along the road outside of Thiaucourt 
while, for an hour, the Boche shelled the vicinity, the 
shells bursting only a few yards from them in the 
center of the highway. 

"While repairing lines one night along this road, 
with Thomas, an enemy plane swooped down on us and 
began bombing the highway. We took temporary 
shelter under a culvert, which would have been but 
little protection had one of the deadly missiles 
struck it. 

"The most serious affair that occurred during our 
stay in Beney was the injuring of Lieutenant Coles 
and Private Krogh only a short time before the cessa- 
tion of hostilities. The men, together with Private 
Cook, were patrolling the line just west of Beney. A 
truck was rattling along the road, which drowned the 
sound of the approaching shell, which struck in the 



156 RANGING IN FRANCE 

center of the group. Lieutenant Coles received a se- 
vere wound in the neck from a shell fragment. At the 
hospital the fragment was found nestling snugly 
against his jugular vein. Krogh received a severe 
wound in the hip. Cook, while he was closer to the 
shell than either of his companions, escaped uninjured. 
''One of the amusing incidents which occurred at 
Beney, was the arresting of Observers 'Vic' Mayers 
and 'Ted' Bandermier as spies, while enroute to the 
observation post for duty. They were taken to Regi- 
mental Headquarters, but were released upon the ar- 
rival of Lieutenant Kuhns, commander of our section, 
who identified the men. But the men spent a perilous 
night in an endeavor to get back to the station. The 
enemy bombarded the village in which Regimental 
Headquarters was located. They left the town to 
escape the shells and enemy aeroplanes bombed the 
roads they had taken. What the boys had to say about 
the 'doughboy' officers who 'pinched' them wouldn't 
look well in print." 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 157 



CHAPTER VIII. 

IN LORRAINE WITH F. R. S. NO. 2 

F. R. S. No. 2, of the American Army was organ- 
ized in Langres, August 18, 1918, under the command 
of Lieutenant J. D. Wright. The other officers at- 
tached to the section were Lieutenants Heuling, Lus- 
combe and Burrows. 

The organization was built around the nucleus of 
15 well-trained Flash Rangers from F. R. S. No. 1, Ser- 
geants First Class Brewster and Waters, Sergeant 
Howe and Corporals Cotton, Chambers and Hinton 
and Privates Graysle, Tucker, Schulten, Brislawn, 
Senclair, Hazeland, Stookey, Loretle and Yeager. 
Sergeants Brewster and Howe, Corporals Cotton, 
Chambers and Hinton had had previous service with 
the French S. R. 0. T. 88, and together with the other 
men, had just been through the Chateau-Thierry drive, 
being well qualified to operate a new section. The 
other men were taken from Company C, of the 29th 
Engineers, where they had been training at the Flash 
and Sound School at Fort de St. Menge. 

The detachment, consisting of 80 men, left Langres 
on August 19 for the Toul sector to take over the 
French S. R. 0. T., No. 62, at Domerne. The French 
had a well-organized section with four observation 
posts, located over a base of 15 kilometers and close 
up to the support trenches. The section had occupied 
the same sector for over eight months and had been 
doing excellent work. It was considered one of the 
best of the S. R. 0. T. Consequently the American 



158 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Flash Rangers were anxious to make as creditable a 
showing as possible. 

The section was organized as soon as the detach- 
ment arrived. Corporal Hinton was placed in charge 
at central and promoted to the grade of Sergeant. Pri- 
vate Graysle was made a Sergeant and placed in charge 
of the lines. Sergeants Brewster, Howe, Cotton and 
Chambers were in charge of the various posts. 

The American Flash Rangers took over the section 
on September 3, after bidding the Frenchmen, "Au 
re voir" and assuring them that on the coming drive 
Mont Sec would be taken, all settled down to business. 
Within a few days things were running smoothly with 
the posts and central working in perfect liaison. 

By the time that the St. Mihiel offensive started 
the section was providing much valuable information 
to the artillery as to enemy activities as well as ranging 
American guns. 

The section held an important section on the St. 
Mihiel front at the time of the big offensive, as some 
of the heaviest fighting occurred in the neighborhood 
of Thiaucourt in front of the base. One of the best 
descriptions of the fighting at this point is given by 
an observer in Chambers post at the time of the as- 
sault : 

"Our post, which was just back of the support 
trenches was a steel cylinder on top of a 65-foot steel 
tripod. The French billet nearby, that we occupied 
when not on duty, was simply a tar-paper shack, which 
served as a kitchen and dining room and a dugout for 
sleeping quarters. 

'The night before the Americans went over the top 
in the big drive, the rain came down in torrents and 
the darkness was intense. In our post it is midnight 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 159 

and we have begun to count the minutes until the 
artillery will open up with the barrage. For hours 
the fighting men have been coming up and they are 
now in the most advanced position, awaiting the signal 
to *go over.' 

'Thus far the elements have all been in our favor — 
the gently falling rain, the inky blackness and the wind 
blowing from the enemy territory, have all helped to 
conceal the movement of our troops. A complete sur- 
prise is in store for our neighbors across No Man's 
Land. As we wait in the observation post, thoughts 
come to us of what had occurred before we trod the 
soil of France For nearly four years this strip of 
shell-torn ground, separating the hostile armies, has 
been *Any Man's Land,' and we wonder what the mor- 
row will bring forth. 

"In 1914, 60,000 brave Frenchmen gave their life- 
blood in a vain attempt to reduce this salient. What 
now will be the fortune of the American arms? We 
trust in our might, for 'right is might,' and we await 
the coming morn. 

"It is now 5:45 A. M., September 12. The bom- 
bardment has been in progress since 1 o'clock, and now 
the first line of khaki-clad figures can be dimly seen 
as they climb our parapets. Not a Hun can be de- 
tected. They have evidently retreated into their deep- 
est dugouts to escape the deadly barrage. Our shells 
have been breaking in Fritz's trenches, spattering 
around his pill boxes, tearing up his roads and making 
his escape impossible. His artillery has been prac- 
tically silenced, a compliment both to the Flash and 
Sound Rangers in locating enemy batteries, and to the 
telling fire of our artillery. 

"As to the Flash Rangers, we are now in our glory. 



160 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Our work now is not 'grabbing gun flashes/ but in 
getting the information back as to the progress of our 
troops. Sergeant Chambers is now at the telephone 
while I look and listen: 

" 'Hello/ I hear him say, 'Central this is Chambers 
post. Time 5:45 bearing 1300 to 1500. Our troops 
have attacked. Hello, Central, time 5:55, same bear- 
ing. The first wave is now going through the enemy 
barbed wire behind the French tanks. The second 
wave is leaving our trenches and the third wave is 
forming.' 

"Thus the reports are sent into central and relayed 
on to the artillery headquarters, while ever forward 
dash our troops. In our rear the artillery barks a 
thundering roar around us. We now hear the rattle of 
the machine guns of the enemy and the belch of our own 
trench mortars. The Huns are surrendering in droves, 
throwing up their hands, yelling 'kamerad,' 'kamerad.' 

"The light artillery is now being hurried forward, 
drawn by galloping horses. Our work is now finished. 
So it's 'tear down and carry on.' " 

On the morning of the 13th the section moved for- 
ward with the instruments and wire in two trucks. 
The distance was only 15 kilometers, but owing to the 
congested condition of the roads, it was late in the even- 
ing when the new location was reached. The new 
central was a few kilometers east of Thiaucourt. As 
a counter attack was expected the equipment was not 
unloaded from the trucks that night and it was neces- 
sary that all be prepared for a hasty move. Two posts 
were set up that night. No lines were laid, but com- 
munication was kept up by runners. The expected 
attack came, but resulted in the Marines and 9th In- 
fantry advancing ahead a few more kilometers. The 




TOP— FRENCH ENTERING METZ AFTER ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED. 
BOTTOM— METZ, "GATE OF THE ALLEMAND" 




Eiiil. Bor^wftl - 7( 



STRASKOL'KG. . Entree <1a Gtner.i! Goiiraad, lo 22 Kovemb.e 191 S 
L-i fouic mstsee Place de la Republiqtie pend.mt le Oidli 



FRENCH IX STRASBOURG AFTER THE ARMISTICE. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 161 

next day the work of stabilizing the position was 
started. 

The following events are told by one of the men at 
the central station: 

"Four posts were established very close to the bat- 
tle line at that time. Very soon excellent results were 
being attained. It was several days after the base was 
in operation that central was shelled heavily. A 210 
burst just outside of the central and it was followed 
by another immediately, of like calibre. 

**The telephone rings and 'Howe' post reports the 
bearing on the gun firing. Then DeLong, who had 
received the report advances to within three feet of the 
plotting board and, saluting, makes the humble request : 

*' *Sir, will the Lieutenant kindly move from under- 
neath the board that I may plot the gun that is shelling 
us V The officer crawled out of his position, where he 
had huddled when he heard the whining of the shell. 

"The batteries of 75s just over our heads had evi- 
dently angered Fritz, and the heavies were meant for 
them. They were falling short, however, and were 
simply 'playing helF with our billets. However, we 
soon sought refuge in the tunnel under the road, which 
fortunately had been well constructed by the Boche. 
When the little bombardment was over we stepped out 
to make a survey of the result. One Garford truck was 
entirely demolished, along with a motorcycle — and 
where one of our billets had stood was a large shell 
hole. Another had lost its roof and one side. That 
night we were bombarded again. Intermittent shelling 
kept up for four days, at the end of which time we 
had lost another truck, motorcycle and side car. The 
rest of our billets were completely destroyed. Fortu- 
nately no one had been injured, but it was deemed ad- 



162 RANGING IN FRANCE 

visable to move before matters grew any worse. Con- 
sequently, due to the constant shelling and the diffi- 
culty in keeping up communication, central was moved 
back five kilometers. 

''About this time Sergeant Brewster came into 
central and replaced Sergeant Willoughly as First Ser- 
geant, the latter going out to 'Chambers* post for ex- 
perience. Brewster's post was turned over to Corporal 
Rock. At central we had a room for a billet — I say 
room, for it was far from being a dugout. It had a 
roof that leaked when it rained. It had one redeem- 
ing feature — a good stove and a spring bed. 

"We had been at our new place but a short time 
when the 'Duke of Salem,' Edward H. Mosely, appeared 
on the scene. 'Poor Mose,' his opinion of central as a 
rest camp for shattered nerves was freely expressed. 
The first night he was on duty a shell hit the roof of 
the building, smashing a chimney, and the fuse cap 
came on through the ceiling and hit the plotting board, 
causing Mose to lose a year's growth from fright. It 
also caused some inconveniences to Captain Wright, 
erstwhile Lieutenant, who, at the time, was leaning 
over the board, endeavoring to make a trisection out of 
three bearings, which had just come in on the battery 
that was shelling us. Needless to say that interrup- 
tion gave impetus to the work and accelerated the 
officer's movements, for in less than a minute he was 
telephoning the co-ordinate of the enemy battery to 
the Artillery Headquarters, and suggesting that 
'said artillery' start something going the other way 
immediately. 

"Everything was progressing nicely, and would 
have continued had it not been for the peace propa- 
ganda, which just then started to circulate. From that 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 163 

The German People Offers Peace. 

Thm new Gemuui de^nocratie government has this programme; 

*Th0 will of the people Is the highest law." 

The Oerman people wants qoiokly to end the slaughter. 
Thtf new German popular government therefore has offered •& 

Armistice 

and has declared itself ready for 

Peace 

on the basis of jostica and reconefliation of nations. 

It is the will of the Oerman people that it should Ove in peace with all 
peoples, honestly and loyaJjiy. 

What has the new Oerman popular government done so far to put into practice 
the will of the people and to prov» its good and upright intentions? 

a) The new Oerman government has appealed to President Wilsoa 
td bring about peace. 

N has recognized and accepted all the principles which 
President Wilson proclaimed as a basis for a genel'al lasting 
peace of Justice among the nations. 

b) The new Cermso government has solemnly declared its readiness to evacuate 
Belgium and to restore it. 

c) The new Genpan government is ready to come to^an honest, tinderstaodin^ 
%nth France ahout. 

Alsace-Lorraine. 

Ji TliP'ii***' German government has restricted the U-boat WAT* 

No passengers steamers not carrying troops 
or war ipaterial will be attacked in future. 

e) The new .German government has declared that it will withdraw all 
Oerman troops back over the Oerman frontier. 

f) — The new Geriinan government has asked the Allied Governments to 
name commissioners to agree upon the practical measures of the 
evacuation of Belgium and France^ 

These, are the deeds of the new Oerman popular government. Can 
these be called mere words, or bluff, or propaganda? 

Who is to blame, if an armistice is not called now? 

Who is to blame if daily thousands of brave soldiers needlessly have to 
shed their blood and die? 

Who is to blame, if the hitherto undestroyed towns and villages of France 
and Belgium sink in ashes? 

Who is to blame, if hundr«ids of thousands, of unhappy women and children 
are driven from their homes to hunger and freeze? 

The German people offers its hand 

for peace. 

THE ABOVE IS A FAC- SIMILE OF PROPAGANDA THROWN 

OVER BY THE GERMANS ON THE METZ 

FRONT IN OCTOBER, 1918. 



164 RANGING IN FRANCE 

time 'Sammy* kept the happy family posted with the 
latest peace — not war — ^news. Of course not much 
stock was taken in his prediction, but we did like to 
hear him rave — due probably to the fact that some- 
where in the United States a Lieutenant was making 
love to his sweetheart, and he longed to be there. Peace 
talk kept our spare time well occupied — that is all ex- 
cept 'Bubbles,' and I guess that he had been over so 
long and had heard so many rumors that he had stopped 
putting any stock in them. 

" 'Casey' was the same way at first, but soon even 
he became enthusiastic, and even told a certain young 
lady in New York that he would be there by Christmas 
— and one night he rushed down into the dugout like a 
wildman and informed us that the armistice had been 
signed. 

" 'Bubbles' raised himself up from his feather mat- 
tress, yelled, 'Go to hell' and went back to sleep. 

"But at 10:30 the next day the last gun to be lo- 
cated by F. R. S. No. 2 was plotted. At 11 it was 
all over." 

While stirring events were occurring at central, 
equally exciting times were being experienced at the 
observation posts. 

Chambers' post had been located on a hill, one 
kilometer north of Vieville en Hays. The post faced 
an angle in the lines and was in the center of a machine 
gun battalion, which was supporting the American 
infantry and covering the Bois Bou Veaux on the 
north, which was still held by the enemy. 

The story is told by one of the observers : 

"There was no cover at this point available so we 
were forced to dig a trench on the crest of the hill, and 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 165 

in the open, from which to observe the enemy move- 
ments. This position was exposed to almost continual 
shell fire, directed at a road a short distance in front 
of us. It was only by using a scissorcrope that the 
casualties from splinters and shrapnel were avoided. 
The afternoon of the 14th some of the men were forced 
to expose themselves, while stringing and repairing 
lines, and we immediately received a shower of 37 m. m. 
shells and machine gun bullets, which did no damage. 
On the afternoon of the 15th, a machine barrage 
was laid on the Bois Bouveaux for 40 minutes and the 
end of which time the infantry went forward and 
cleared the woods of the remaining Boche. 

"The night of the third day, the entire personnel 
of the post turned out as soon as it was dark, and 
started excavating for an observation post in a copse 
of woods which the machine gun battalion that day 
evacuated. It was bright moonlight, and we were 
continually forced to take cover from the numerous 
planes flying at low altitudes. However by 3 A. M., 
it was finished and camouflaged. The next day we 
occupied our new quarters, much to everyone's relief. 

"As soon as the post was finished we started dig- 
ging a shell-proof dugout about 20 feet in the rear. A 
hole, six by eight and seven feet deep, was dug. This 
was covered with a layer of ten-inch logs. We then 
salvaged some curved elephant iron and placed this on 
top of the logs, the place between the logs and iron 
being filled with sand bags, which would act as shock 
absorbers in case of a hit. The entire place was cov- 
ered with about five feet of sand bags and another layer 
of logs and steel placed to act as bursters. A covered 
trench was constructed between the post and the dug- 
out. Two bunks were built inside, a stove set up and 



166 RANGING IN FRANCE 

our home was finished. Much trouble was experi- 
enced with lines here, they being constantly shelled. 
We were forced to string a second line. And here, 
special mention should be given of Cook Gillis, who, in 
addition to his duties as cook, gave valuable assistance 
on numerous occasions in repairing lines, as well as 
aiding us in the observation post." 

An observer at Sergeant Howe's post gives the 
following description of the activities in his vicinity 
during the St. Mihiel drive: 

"We began our work in the Toul sector on August 
23, and it was only a few days later that we noticed the 
woods were gradually filling up with men and that 
all the old battery positions were being occupied, in 
preparation for the contemplated attack. The German 
observers, suspended in their swing baskets from the 
big elephant-shaped balloons, noticed something un- 
usual and let us know they knew it by increased artil- 
lery action. The activity back of our own lines con- 
tinued to increase. During the night long, unceasing 
processions of horses, men and guns and supply trains 
moved along the road. 

"Upon going to our post on the evening of the 12th, 
we found the trenches full of troops. Infantrymen 
and machine gunners ready for the assault, the latter 
with their little wooden cases of ammunition. Bombers 
were ready with their aprons full of *H. E. eggs.' 

"During the early part of the evening all was 
quiet except for an occasional burst of machine gun 
fire, or the faint *pop' of the 'very' lights as they 
cast their white garnish light over the shell-torn wire- 
tangled area in No Man's Land. At 10 o'clock a bat- 
tery of 75s opened up, and fired a few rounds and 
became silent. The enemy batteries responded with 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 167 

a few rounds and all was quiet again. The night wore 
on until 1 o'clock, when it seemed that 'hell had broken 
loose.' The ground trembled with the jar and thud 
of the big guns, and the sky became a mass of crimson 
flashes. Against the dull rumble of the heavies and the 
sullen crunch of the 155 millimeter howitzers, sounded 
the sharp bark of the 75s. The answer by the enemy 
was feeble. In the brief light of their bursting shrap- 
nel was discernible the grotesque forms of the infantry 
as they dropped for a moment to escape the leaden hail, 
and then moved to their appointed places, where they 
waited for the zero hour. 

'*At 4 o'clock, the zero hour, the cannonading 
ceased as suddenly as it began. In the half light of 
the day we saw dim forms swarming out of the 
trenches — heard the irregular rifle fire intermingling 
with the vicious rat-a-tat-tat of automatic and machine 
guns, the whiz and bang of the 88s, the bursting of high 
explosives with their showers of sparks and clouds of 
dense black smoke ; while red, green and white rockets 
appeared for a moment and faded, and red flares gave 
one a confused sight of khaki-clad objects moving 
around. Over it all sounded the drumming of the guns 
as they opened fire on the enemy back areas. 

"As the sun came up it cast its rays over a re- 
markable and wonderful sight. The country in front 
of us was jammed with men and fighting gear, going 
forward to support the attack. The shafts of sunlight 
glanced and gleamed from the bayonets of the infantry 
as the men maneuvered around a patch of woods con- 
taining the hidden menace, the machine gun nests. 
White-winged aeroplanes circled over the lines, or trav- 
eled with lightning speed to drop their messages at 
headquarters in the rear. On our left the baby tanks 



168 RANGING IN FRANCE 

were clambering clumsily, like huge turtles, across the 
tom-up areas. Already batteries of 75s were moving 
forward, the horses sweating and heaving as they en- 
deavored to move the pieces along what was once a 
road. During this time our batteries were continuing 
their fire with but few shots returned. 

"Later prisoners began to come in groups, guarded 
by a few grinning 'doughboys.' Ambulances were trav- 
eling back and forth with their loads of injured. We 
saw one lone, small 'Yank' picking up our wounded and 
using four big Boches as stretcher-bearers. 

"By 10 o'clock it was seen that our objective, 
Thiaucourt, would be reached in one day, instead of 
three. General Pershing's 'All American Drive' had 
succeeded beyond all expectations." 

The story of Cotton post is told as follows : 

"Our entrance into the war was so gradual that 
we landed on the front without warning or spiritual 
preparation. In fact, we felt we had been trapped by 
easy stages, which was, no doubt, the surest way of 
getting us under shell fire. The morning that 'Dad' 
Waters led us out of the woods north of Menilitour we 
had reached that stage of our existence known as the 
'Great Divide.' 

"A sort of 'hunted look' had become fixed, and there 
was little talk, much thinking and frequent use of the 
canteen. 'Dad' followed the lowest levels, which was 
natural, and with wisdom bom of much front line 
experience, got us safely into Domevre, where Section 
2 was organized. 

"The men assigned to Sergeant Cotton's post 
slipped into Noviant and were billeted in a barn, where 
some of us heard and saw our first shells at close 
range, and heard the ominous gas alarms. A few days 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 169 

later we moved to a French billet and post in the Bois 
du Jury, which must have been in operation several 
years, judging by the number and size of rats, cooties, 
fleas, etc., which disputed our tenancy. It was here 
that we completed our training and became real 
soldiers. For it was here that we learned the art of 
putting on a creeping finger nail barrage against the 
cooties and learned for the first time to scratch with 
'all fours.' 

'Then one evening came the warning from central 
to be on the 'alert.' At 1 o'clock the next morning 
the big offensive of St. Mihiel started. The nervous 
ones in our billet fell out and dressed, while the others 
being beyond this stage, covered up deeper in the 
blankets. The dugout rattled terribly — perhaps it 
was our teeth. Anyhow, we awaited events in soldierly 
fashion, doing a sort of involuntary 'hula hula' muscle 
dance. 

"We have never been able to get official informa- 
tion concerning the movements of Sergeant Cotton, 
Corporal Sinclair and Private Colclesser, who disap- 
peared during the barrage just mentioned, though 
aeroplane photos, which later came into our possession, 
show clearly defined and continuous lines leading from 
our dugout to a point in the Bois Mart Mare, at which 
place there is much evidence of confusion, with unduly 
diverging lines. However, the matter has been partly 
cleared up by the confession of Sergeant Cotton, who 
admits that, feeling the smoke of battle in his nostrils, 
he took a guard of the three aforementioned intrepid 
soldiers and sought the field of conflict, with the result 
that he captured fifteen healthy Boche." 

Sergeant Cotton's story is told in the following 
words : 



170 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"By 8 o'clock on the morning of the St. Mihiel 
offensive, the troops on the section of the front occu- 
pied by our base had moved over the ridge in a flank- 
ing movement, thus rendering further observation from 
No. 1 post useless. Choosing Corporal Sinclair and 
Observer Colclesser, we started forward with the in- 
struments needed for day and night use, through the 
mud of three days' rain. We passed over our own en- 
tanglements and the St. Dizier-Metz Road easily, only 
to strike the intricate system of wire and trenches that 
the Germans had built in their four years' stay. 

"Trench and entanglements that only the Germans 
could conceive for their own safety and comfort. And 
in breaking through their wires we struck a low valley, 
or *dead ground' area, from which place we could 
neither see forward or backward, and consequently, 
veered to the left toward a point of woods. These 
woods we reached, after what seemed to us hours of 
weary ^hiking.' Resting for a few moments, for our 
instruments were somewhat heavy and cumbersome, 
we turned to the right and entered the Bois de Mort 
Mare, and so hoped to strike the Promenade des Moines. 

"In the meantime we were continually and intently 
alert for evidence of German ingeniousness, and — 
souvenirs. A group of tombstones on the left of our 
trail claimed our attention, and we noticed with interest 
that an ober lieutenant and two sergeants had been 
killed, probably by the same exploding shell, and were 
all buried together, with the same characteristic in- 
scription overhead, 'Hier rught in Gott' and 'Hier hat 
in Heldentodgelallen.' 

"Suddenly, turning back in the trail and plunging 
forward on his stomach. Corporal Sinclair, in a hoarse 
whisper gasped : 'God, there's a Boche.' 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 171 

**I asked no questions but found that a clump of 
brush concealed me, and I pressed close to 'Mother 
Nature' — closer than ever a communion of souls at- 
tracted to kindred spirits. After our first moment of 
fear the question arose: 

*' 'Had the Boche seen us?' 

''Lifting our heads cautiously above the grass, we 
beheld a real live Boche at close quarters, the customary 
gray cap, the vacant, unintelligent face, with the ab- 
sence of all healthy color — an expression of listlessness 
and utter resignation. He was completely unconscious 
of our presence, but he seemed entirely capable of 
commanding the situation. Silently we held a 'council 
of war,' and decided to remove ourselves from the 
propinquity of Fritz's trench. Even so. Napoleon 
turned from Moscow. 

"Finding concealment in a vacated trench, we 
matched discretion with valor, with the result that 
our instruments were unslung and we took an inventory 
of our equipment. We found that Corporal Sinclair 
had a trustworthy Springfield encased in an old under- 
shirt, and with the barrel plugged by a cork. 

"Instructing Colclesser to stand by the instruments 
and to retreat hastily with them in case shots were 
fired, Sinclair and I crawled forward, planning our 
campaign. We intended to advance under cover and 
get the drop on Fritzie before he saw us. The situa- 
tion was not encouraging, however, for there were 
no Americans in sight and we had but one rifle. But 
a chance to capture a real Boche could not be missed 
and, besides, with what German we knew, we hoped 
to get by in case the tables were turned on us and 
Fritz did the capturing. 

"We wiggled slowly and carefully back to our 



172 RANGING IN FRANCE 

former positions and awaited the reappearance of the 
gray pea cap. It popped up with suddenness and dis- 
patch directly in front of us, only for its wearer to look 
down the black barrel of a Springfield, and instantly 
vanished. Followed two minutes of awful nerve-rack- 
ing suspense, as we pictured a shower of hand grenades 
coming through the air — explosions and silence as hov- 
ering buzzards dipped and clutched bloody fragments, 
then straightened out and sailed on. But no — cau- 
tiously and slowly a hand stole above the parapet, 
gripping and waving it unmistakably. Hague con- 
ference regulations defines that as surrender and no 
questions asked. Since no shots greeted his offering 
another hand appeared, waving frantically a shirt that 
was once white. Two was one more than we bar- 
gained for, so we thought it best to lay low and try to 
parley. As best we could and with as much authority 
as the moment afforded us, we commanded them to 
throw down their rifles and climb up out of the 
trench, or a hand grenade would descend on their 
unhappy heads. The result was electric — a corporal 
appeared followed by another gray uniform, and still 
another, until in all, 15 were lined up with their hands 
high over their heads. Fifteen! We expected one! 
Hopelessly outnumbered, a concealed grenade would put 
us on the 'missing list.' 

"But a man contemplating grenade throwing, does 
not register fear and, besides, they did not know how 
many of us to expect, leaving the strategic advantage 
in our hands. Having no weapons, it fell to my lot to 
advance and look them over, which was done with one 
eye for false movements and the other for concealed 
sidearms. None were found, and from their voluble 
chatter, we gathered that they were Alsatians of the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 173 

207th, that four years of war was enough. Besides 
their officers had deserted them and they would just as 
soon board with the Allies any way. Their good faith 
and gratitude they expressed with Dresden cigarettes 
and — glorious thoughts — souvenirs. 

"On entering their trench, we found that we had 
stumbled onto a machine gun nest, with a mounted 
machine gun, ammunition, rifles, grenades and a 
kitchen, with supplies. Truly, the realization of an 
engineer's dream, to do a 'doughboy's' job in a drive — 
a Perfect Day." 

The observer from Cotton post continues his story 
as follows: 

"Feeling edified by our courageous record, we went 
forward eagerly to Thiaucourt, where in the valley of 
the Rupt de Mad, we established our new post. 

"By some error at central, our new post was located 
within the enemy lines, where we operated for several 
days, when we decided to fall back, as we were so near 
the Hun billets we could not focus our monocular. 
This new location was known as The Willows.' The 
post was a popular ranging point for 77s, affording 
us unusual opportunities for locating enemy guns — and 
also collecting our insurance of $10,000. 

"Owing to our inability to keep the phones in order, 
they not being constructed to withstand football tactics 
or the results following visits of Vhizbangs,' and also 
due to the northern exposure, we pulled out and lo- 
cated our billet at Beney, and our post in the wood of 
the same mild and friendly name. This village was 
deserted upon our arrival, so we had a hundred houses 
from which to select our place of abode, but being 
military and having a certain precedent to follow, and 
procedure to maintain, our thoughtful and cautious 



174 RANGING IN FRANCE 

sergeant picked a billet in the crossroads, a short and 
convenient distance from the cemetery. 

''Here it was that the predatory instincts of Stone 
and Bell found free reign and the loot of Beney began. 
When we left there, the place looked like a salvage pile. 
However, the comforts of spring beds and beaucoup 
blankets rarely tempted us, until our 'good night' shell- 
ing was over, which was about 10:20 P. M. In the 
meantime we started the construction of a bomb-proof 
dugout. 

"As we became accustomed to the shells the Boche 
varied the performance for us by sending over air 
raids and dropping gas bombs, which caused a peculiar 
malady, as yet unlisted in the medical journals, which 
caused a tension in the line, followed by chills and gen- 
eral restlessness. This affliction caused several of 
us to return to central for treatment. 

"Captain Wright usually attended these patients, 
one interview being quite sufficient for complete 
recovery. 

"The advent of the Salvation Army, or rather the 
two Salvation Army girls, brought many unlooked for 
changes. The first intimation of their coming being 
the hasty departure of our sergeant for central for a 
new uniform. Private Bell heard that one of the girls 
was called, 'Peg,' and straightway designed a dashing 
overseas cap, fashioned from a 'blue deviF overcoat, on 
which he embroidered the name, 'Peg.' But even this 
open admiration availed him little, as the army girls 
gave their smiles to 'Workers Only' and our efforts soon 
subsided. 

"But not considering the doughnuts and jam we got 
from the Salvation Army lassies, there were other re- 
sults of great importance. Andy quit wearing his old 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 175 

Boche overcoat, Colclesser shaved for the first time 
in months, Maxwell learned to wrap his leggins, John- 
son effected gold-rimmed glasses and became more 
generous with his cigarettes. Joe Cotton gave us a 
rest on digging dugouts and quit playing poker at 
12 A. M., giving us a chance to sleep. Butler quit his 
arguments in favor of the 'Y,* Sayler increased our 
allotment of 'hot cakes' to 12 instead of 9, also quit 
diluting the syrup. Stone quit salvaging, having nar- 
rowly missed an accident while trying to get away with 
a *gat.' Sinclair was on the way to the hospital, but 
decided to postpone the trip, and even Chamberlain 
was so greatly affected as to have his hair cut, thereby 
seriously hampering his literary efforts. Today we 
recall no serious effects on the 'Deacon,' he having be- 
come immune with previous affairs of the heart. 

'The Some Pep Comedy Company, under the aus- 
pices of the Y. M. C. A. staged their 'Breath From 
Broadway,' at the Red Cross billet and for an hour or 
so the war was really forgotten, even though Beney 
got its worst drenching of shells that evening. The 
Huns must have heard the applause and decided too 
much pep would be unhealthy for them — but the show 
continued for all that." 

The most deplorable thing connected with the work 
of the F. R. S. No. 2 was the death of Corporal A. W. 
Rock, which occurred on the night of September 20. 
He was wounded on the night of September 19, while 
on duty at the Cotton observation post, when he was 
struck by a fragment from a high explosive shell. He 
was taken to Beney and from there to Evacuation Hos- 
pital No. 2, near Menil la Tour, where he died on the 
date already mentioned. He was buried in the small 
American cemetery near the village. 



176 RANGING IN FRANCE 

The story of Brewster post, as told by one of the 
observers : 

''After an uneventful hike, under the able guidance 
of Lieutenant Luscombe, Sergeants Brewster and Howe 
had the men of their post billeted in the 'Officers' Row,* 
Mamey, on August 23. Here, for the first time, we 
heard the wierd whistle of the incoming shells. 

"At Mamey, we were under the tutelage of the 
French S. R. 0. T. for a period of two weeks, before we 
took over the post on the ridge, which was northwest 
of the village. Here, much to the surprise and disgust 
of two of our non-coms, it was learned that they were 
also granted the honorary degree of K. P. In this town, 
about four kilometers from the Boche front lines, we 
found a bath house with showers, which we could use 
whenever we choose. Sometimes we could even get 
cigars, cakes, etc., from the Y. M. C. A., which was 
open for business about once a week. 

"We had some brave men with us. Corporal Spurr, 
who had the wanderlust. Once he strayed into the 
front line trenches and became lost, remaining out all 
night, souvenir hunting. He was rewarded with a 
week's K. P. He also had a private home, vases for 
flowers, shell cases, grenades, duds and munitions too 
numerous to mention were used as decorations. 

"At this point of the game, a 'shavetail' breaks into 
our peaceful family, requesting us to move, but of 
course as we took no orders from lower than a Major- 
General, his request could not be granted. We out- 
lived some heavy shell fire here. Another discomfort- 
ing thing was the hourly gas alarm, given by the 90th 
Division when there was no gas and when there was 
it was usually known. 

"Early on the morning of September 12, the Allied 




TOP— RUINS AT ST. AGNAUT. BOTTOM— SCENES IN ST. MAURICE 

BEEORE THE WAR. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 177 

barrage opened up and at 5 A. M. the boys went over 
the top. After the drive we moved to Thiaucourt, and 
on September 15 had four posts working. Brewster 
post was out in the support trenches, in a reinforced 
concrete pill box, which the Boche seemed to use as a 
ranging point. While here the reliefs were shelled 
while going on duty and the men coming off also had 
some close calls. 

"On September 28, Sergeant Wm. Rock took charge 
of the post and we moved over the Peace Valley. We 
gave it that name because it was under almost constant 
shell fire. One night as Campbell and Lacey were 
returning after repairing the line, the enemy flooded 
the valley with gas and shrapnel. Luckily they reached 
the billet without injury. The casualties that night in 
the vicinity, numbered 113. The lines were frequently 
being cut at inconvenient hours, necessitating the lines- 
men wandering around the hillside, through the muddy 
trenches and across the shell holes and back to the 
billets to hunt for 'eats.* 

"The shelling around the post became so heavy that 
we were forced to change our location, taking up a 
position about one and one-half kilometers northwest 
of Thiaucourt. We found a small trench dug in some 
bushes. We improved our post by digging in further. 
On October 10 we moved to the village of Beney, where 
we constructed another dugout and made things quite 
comfortable, until the close of hostilities." 

Some amusing incidents are told by the linesmen of 
F. R. S. No. 2, who were in the charge of Sergeant 
Graysle. The detail consisted by Privates Harrington, 
Allen, Vance, Bouora, Harde and Clark. During the 
days preceding the St. Mihiel drive, the linesmen were 
exceptionally busy, the same as the linesmen on other 



178 RANGING IN FRANCE 

sections of the front. The wiring had been done by the 
French, and the lines were laid mostly in the mud. 
The French seemed to have fairly good success with 
the system, but not so with the Americans. 

A linesman tells the following story of stringing a 
new line to Howe post : 

''Sergeant Graysle loaded down each one of us with 
a coil of wire and started across the fields and through 
the woods to the old chateau at Martincourt. In the 
course of the morning we came to a building, which 
the sergeant said the wire must go over. Accordingly 
Private Vane tied his pliers to the end of the wire for 
a weight and tried to throw them over the roof. Vane 
had poor success in his effort, however, for, instead of 
going over the roof, the pliers went through the window 
into an artillery battalion headquarters. 

*'A few seconds later a major shoved his head out 
of the window and, in anything but a gentle tone, in- 
quired, 'who in hell was trying to murder him.* The 
major continued to rave like a madman and, when he 
at last withdrew his head within the broken window, 
Vane asked an orderly why the officer became so irri- 
tated over so trifling a matter. 

" 'Well, you see,' said the orderly, 'it was not break- 
ing the window that caused the rumpus, but the end 
of the wire went over the table where the major was 
sitting and when you pulled it back it caught a bottle 
of cognac and knocked it off on the floor, smashin' it all 
to pieces.' 

"We continued to string the wire over the hill, and 
at last came out on a road that was under observation 
by the German balloons. The road was open for traf- 
fic only under cover of darkness. Just as we expected 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 179 

Fritz spotted us and opened up with a young barrage of 
77s, finishing up with a generous supply of gas shells. 
In the meantime we had taken refuge in the ditch 
alongside the road and escaped injury. When the 
shades of night began to darken the landscape the 
Huns hauled down their balloons and we crawled out 
and completed our work of stringing the wire to the 
observation post. 

''On our way home, we had the misfortune to meet 
a colonel, and all gave him a snappy salute with the 
exception of Denny Harrington. The colonel halted 
and asked him why he did not salute. By this time 
Denny was so excited that he could not answer and the 
colonel asked the number of the organization. This 
time Denny did get his nerves together long enough 
to tell him. The officers, much to our surprise, stated 
that the fact we belong to the 29th made some differ- 
ence, as he was familiar with the outfit and knew it 
was not a military organization, but was well aware of 
its efficiency in Flash and Sound Ranging. Then 
Denny saluted. 

"It was soon after the above event had transpired 
that two of the linesmen, Harrington and Vane, while 
repairing the line to Brewster post, discovered a Boche 
aeroplane directly overhead, which dropped a number 
of gas bombs in their immediate vicinity. 

"Private Vane, who had a telephone test set hang- 
ing from his neck, in his excitement made a frantic 
effort to put it on instead of his mask. The men im- 
mediately made for higher ground and were soon out 
of the gassed area. Then Denny said he was gassed 
and went back to central to be treated. He was given 
rice and bacon and told to cut the wood for dinner. He 
soon recovered. 



180 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"The day before the drive Captain Wright ordered 
the central advanced to within the same distance of 
the front lines as the observation posts, and we strung 
the lines into a small building in the ravine, Promenade 
des Moines. A good hardsurface road extended through 
the ravine and the building set up from the road on a 
steep bank. Above this bank was a solid ledge, which 
was approximately 20 feet in height, affording excel- 
lent protection from shell fire. The work of stringing 
these lines was done in a cold drizzling rain, which 
soaked our garments thoroughly. Following the as- 
sault against the Boche, the posts were moved forward 
and of course this necessitated the stringing of more 
wire. This work was done under perilous conditions, 
but soon the base was in operation again. 

"We were kept busy from that time until the armis- 
tice was signed maintaining the lines. Owing to the 
heavy shelling from the Boche batteries, central was 
moved to the rear several kilometers, which meant more 
work of the linesmen." 

Memorandum: 

December 7, 1918. 

Attached is completed list of different enemy bat- 
teries located by Flash Ranging Section No. 2 from 
September 3, 1918, to November 11, 1918, which was 
from time of taking over S. R. 0. T. 62 (French) to 
the cessation of hostilities. 

The total number of batteries was 202, of which 
19 were located twice or more, and 13 of which were 
located a few meters different from previous locations. 

About 40 per cent of the total number shown were 
verified by other sources of information. 

During the period of operation we calibrated 4 guns 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 181 

of 240 calibre ; 3 guns of 270 calibre and several guns 
of 155 calibre. All calibrations were a success, except 
one of 240 calibre and one of 155 calibre. Besides the 
calibrations, we were able to direct the fire of our own 
artillery on many targets. 

One-half of the time was taken up with General 
Intelligence and German artillery activity, in which 
we were able to keep the Corps and Division A. I. S. 
well informed as to the activity of the enemy in front 
of us. 

During the period of operations the section partici- 
pated in the St. Mihiel drive and was able to get two 
posts and central in operation about 60 hours after 
the beginning of the attack. We were delayed 24 hours 
on account of heavy traffic and bad roads. The dis- 
tance moved was about 20 kilometers. Transporta- 
tion used was two trucks. 

Our casualties were: 1 killed in action; 3 gassed 
in action; 6 accidently hurt, 4 to hospital; 10 sick, Q 
to hospital. 

On a separate sheet is shown the complete historj 
of the section, as taken from our * 'Morning Reports/'" 

J. D. WRIGHT, 
Capt., Engrs., U. S. A., Comdg. Section F. R. S. 
No. 2. 

Sergeant Hoive Tells of the Trip Into Germany 

It was with a glad heart that we left Eunezin loaded 
in six big trucks with our three officers and 29 men, 
to begin the first lap of our journey to Germany. Our 
first day's travel was very slow owing to the congested 
condition of the roads. It was a great pleasure for us to 
cross the famous Hindenburg line, the line that some 



182 RANGING IN FRANCE 

of US had faced for nine months. The line that was 
supposed to be unconquerable, with its concrete pill 
boxes, deep dugouts and wonderful system of barbed 
wire entanglements. The line that all Germany had 
based its hopes on — and the line that was the goal of 
every soldier in France. 

The roads were filled with home-coming refugees, 
Russians, Poles and French. Many of whom had spent 
the last four years in the cruel prison camps and mines 
of Germany. Their bodies bore the marks of German 
kultur, but their hearts were clean and filled with 
new hope of the future, home and loved ones. All 
stopped to watch the cheery, happy Americans as we 
passed by in our trucks. 

We passed village after village, not the little red- 
roofed villages that we had learned to love and call 
France, but dirty, deserted villages and only a few 
hours before the homes of German soldiers, now deso- 
late save for a lonely refugee or a barking dog, left to 
carry out the picture of desolation, which followed the 
footsteps of the retreating Huns. By night we had 
reached Buzy, another one of these deserted villages in 
Alsace-Lorraine. Here we rested for five days — here 
we also had the misfortune to lose our First Sergeant, 
"Casey" Brewster, who accidently shot himself through 
the hand and was sent to the hospital. 

The second lap of our ''sight seeing" trip took us 
through Northern Lorraine and into Luxembourg. At 
Luxembourg — farewell deserted villages of Lorraine 
and No Man's Land — farewell your scenes of four 
year's strife — here is life and gaiety — fair daughters of 
the land in their quaint dresses were in every doorway 
and the streets, cheering us as we passed through their 
quaint little towns. That night we stopped at Inde- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 183 

lange, one of the principal cities of the little princi- 
pality, billeting in a steam-heated school house. The 
delighted populace fairly thronged up the hill to the 
school house to view the American soldiers, who ac- 
cepted, without a blush, their praise and admiration 
of the children, who clung to us like barnacles. Hos- 
pitality was everjrwhere. 

Good people, glad of the opportunity to show their 
appreciation to be liberated from the Hun, took us 
into their homes, shared their meals and even their fine 
old French wine with us. The wine taken from the 
deepest recesses of their cellars, cunningly hid from the 
Germans. And for a few hours it flowed like water. 

Nothing was too good for the ''Americane soldot." 
And then came Thanksgiving, the day that every good 
American celebrates with feasting. Some of us had 
spent our last Thanksgiving on the high seas, bound 
for Berlin, and here we were a year later, a little closer 
to the German capital, still hungry for a Thanksgiving 
dinner, with its Turkey pies — enough, enough and 
''canned Willie" staring us in the face — but the good 
people of Indelange, hearing it was a "grand fete" day 
in America, came to the rescue, and many lucky Flash 
Rangers had his knees under a clean tablecloth while a 
buxom Lumenbourg mother bade him eat his fill of 
pie — yes pie, and apple at that — and other things that 
go to make Thanksgiving dinner a success. 

To be sure, there was no turkey, as the Germans 
had taken them long ago, and right here it is well to 
say that if the American ''doughboy" had known there 
was pie awaiting him on the Moselle, that old Hinden- 
burg line would have been broken long before it was 
shattered. 

But only too soon, orders came to move up into 



184 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Germany. Of course, we wanted to see Germany, but 
how we did hate to leave Luxembourg, with its fine 
old people and rare old wine. We followed up the 
beautiful Moselle River to the little railroad center of 
Comz, Germany. Here we stayed for two days, and, 
much to the amazement of the populace, we destroyed 
nothing. Germany failed to make a hit with the boys, 
due, I think, to the fact that she was short on food, 
potato soup being their principal food, with black bread 
on the side. And then the people themselves regarded 
us more as intruders than the guardians of democracy, 
as though they expected us to ransack their houses and 
stores. 

Soon we received our orders to return to Toul, 
France, as our battalion was being reorganized there, 
preparatory for departing for America. It was great 
news. Of course, many of the boys wanted to pro- 
ceed into Germany and see Coblenz, but the majority 
had seen enough of Europe and were anxious to again 
see the old Statue of Liberty, and the rustle and bustle 
of a real American city. 

The return trip took us two days. The first night 
we stayed in Thionville, where the Germans had a large 
aviation camp. Here, also, were many returning Eng- 
lish prisoners, and the ''Tommies" had many interest- 
ing stories to tell of their experiences at Coblenz, Co- 
logne and Frankfort, in the prison camps and on the 
farms there. 

The next day we passed through the historical city 
of Metz, the stronghold of Lorraine, now occupied by 
French forces; the city that was the objective of the 
American Army so long — the city we would have sur- 
rounded and taken had the war continued. By night 
we reached Toul, France, and joined our various com- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 185 

panies and F. R. S. No. 2 was no more. Nothing but 
a memory in the hearts of those who had striven to 
make it a success. But the memory that would live 
forever of our Captain, J. L. Wright, who looked after 
us like a father, of the Sergeants in the posts, who 
gave us credit for what we could do, and of the splen- 
did companionship that existed between the men and 
officers of the section. 



186 RANGING IN FRANCE 



CHAPTER IX. 

IN THE ARGONNE 

As for the American troops, you may tell your peo- 
ple that their soldiers are admirable. They ask nothing 
better than to go to their death. They can be reproached 
only with pushing ahead too fast. It is necessary to 
hold them back, as this is a quality which should not be 
abused. — Marshal Foch, 

I am proud to have been the sponsor of the noble 
American Army, ivhich has been the determining cause 
of our present victory. Thanks to it we have finished 
the war as we wanted to finish it. — Marshal Joffre. 

When we had cut the enemy's main line of communi- 
cation, nothing but surrender or armistice could save 
his army from complete disaster. — General Pershing. 

Following immediately after the St. Mihiel drive, 
much of the corps and army artillery which had oper- 
ated there were taken to the area back of the line be- 
tween the Meuse river and the western edge of the 
Forest of Argonne. The attack as planned by Marshal 
Foch was to strike toward the important railroad com- 
munications of the German armies, through Mezieres 
and Sedan. 

The enemy must hold fast to this part of the line 
or the withdrawal of his forces, with four years* ac- 
cumulation of plants and material, would be danger- 
ously imperiled. Thus it was of the greatest import- 
ance that the enemy put up the strongest resistance 
possible. 




: 



i,e 



A PROPHFXY: WILLIAM II HENCEFORTH HAS HANDCUFFS ON HIS 
HANDS. THUS PASSES THE GLORY OF THIS WORLD. 

Note— The kaiser had this statue erected, a likeness of himself 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 187 

The great battle opened on September 26. The 
transferring of the bulk of the 1st Army from the St. 
Mihiel front to that of the Meuse-Argonne, involved 
some difficult work on the part of the general staff, 
as these troops had to be replaced by the 2nd Army, 
which had to be organized. More than ten divisions 
were drawn from the Metz front and thrown into the 
Argonne in less than 14 days. 

The battle order from right to left was the 3rd 
Corps from the Meuse to Malancourt, with the 33rd, 
80th and 4th Divisions in line and the 3rd Division as 
corps reserve ; the 5th Corps from Malancourt to Van- 
quois, with the 79th, 37th and 91st Divisions in line 
and the 32nd Division in corps reserve; and the 1st 
Corps from Vanquois to Vienne-le-Chateau, with the 
35th, 28th and 77th Divisions in line and the 92nd in 
corps reserve. The army reserve consisted of the 1st, 
29th and 82nd Divisions. 

The attack began on the 26th, and the Americans 
drove through the barbwire entanglements and the sea 
of shells across No Man's Land, taking the enemy's 
first line of defense, which were thinly held. While the 
enemy expected the Allies to continue with the drive 
toward Metz, following the reduction of the St. Mihiel 
salient, they did not altogether neglect that portion of 
the front between the Meuse and the Argonne. It is 
now an established fact that the Germans became 
aware of the coming drive in the Argonne a few days 
before it was started and the front line troops were 
drawn back to the support positions. 

The attack was preceded by six hours of artillery 
bombardment, surpassing even that at St. Mihiel in its 
intensity. The enemy's first line, as well as his support 
trenches, v/ere obliterated, and when the irresistible 



188 RANGING IN FRANCE 

waves of infantry swept over this area, they found that 
the devastation was complete. The official records 
show the artillery fired over 313,000 rounds during 
the bombardment of September 26. 

The Americans found their greatest resistance on 
September 27 and 28, it coming in the way of machine 
guns and bursting shells. Over 10,000 prisoners had 
been taken and the Germans had been forced into the 
open. 

Participating in the attack were 508 American and 
French airplanes, 142 light American tanks and 73 
French tanks. The tanks had great difficulty in get- 
ting across No Man's Land, and were not as effective 
the first two days as later in the offensive. 

At the end of the first day all the objectives had 
been reached. Forges and the Bois des Forges had 
been cleaned out on the right, through gallant fighting 
by the 33rd Divisions, which enabled them to occupy 
the entire left bank of the Meuse for a distance of ap- 
proximately five miles. The 80th Division had pushed 
on and taken Bethincourt and the open country north 
of it. The right wing of the 4th Division had reached 
the corps objective in the eastern part of the Bois de 
Septsarges and dug in. 

The 79th Division encountered some heavy fighting 
the initial day. It captured Malancourt and shortly 
after noon reached the west edge of the Bois de Cuisy, 
where the enemy snipers and machine gunners for the 
time held them in check. These positions were taken 
late in the afternoon. The front line was in the north 
edge of the woods ; the slopes of Montfaucon were just 
ahead. The town of Montfaucon must be taken in order 
to bring the line up even with the 4th, on the right, and 
the 37th, on the left. The infantry tried in vain to take 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 189 

the slopes that night. With intense artillery and ma- 
chine gun fire the enemy repulsed the Americans with 
heavy losses. Early the next morning the American 
heavy artillery opened up on the town, and the 313th 
Infantry again attempted to take the position. This 
time they did not fall back, but crawling steadily over 
the hill slopes they reached the edge of the town, and 
by noon it was in possession of the Americans. 

The 91st Division had made a remarkable showing. 
The "Wild West" Division had cleared the Bois de 
Cheppy and the Bois de Very during the morning hours 
and in the afternoon had patrols in Epinonville, which 
meant that the boys from the Pacific Coast had ad- 
vanced over eight kilometers. They had pierced the 
line of the Volker-Stellung, a noted achievement. The 
next morning, in its attack against Epinonville and 
Eclisfontaine, the division lost heavily from enemy ar- 
tillery fire. Epinonville, on the right, had been taken 
by the 361st Infantry, but the regiment was stopped 
just north of it by fire from the woods on the north. 
In the center was the 364th, held up temporarily by the 
mass of wire entanglements. On the left, the 363rd was 
out of touch with the 35th Division, further to the west. 

On the morning of the 28th, the division pushed on- 
ward, the 361st capturing the famous orchard in front 
of Epinonville, filled with machine gun nests, and 
which had given the Americans much worry the day 
before. By evening this regiment had penetrated the 
Bois de Cierges. Driving northwest, the 163rd and 
164th Infantry reached the Bois de Baulny, Tronsol 
Farm and the territory in front of the Gesnes brook. 

Owing to the rapid advance made by the 91st Div- 
ision, it had been compelled to extend its front from 
two kilometers to over seven kilometers to make liaison 



190 RANGING IN FRANCE 

with the 35th Division on the left. The outerflank of 
the 361st Infantry was in the Bois de Cierges, with the 
362nd in support. The next morning the 362nd In- 
fantry, together with one battalion of the 361st and the 
347th Machine Gun Battalion, attacked the village of 
Gesnes, which it took after hard fighting, suffering at 
the same time a terrific enemy artillery barrage and 
machine gun fire from the front and right flank. 

Owing to the advanced position of the section of the 
front held by the division, it was deemed necessary to 
establish a line of resistance extending from the mid- 
dle of the Bois de Cierges, southwest through the Bois 
de Bonleauv. Until the night of October 3, the 91st 
Division held this position, consolidating the lines un- 
der constant shell fire. The men suffered from the 
wet and cold in the fox holes, hastily dug. The cold 
food and bad water caused hundreds of serious cases 
of diarrhoea, which required the moving of the af- 
flicted to the hospitals. On October 3 they were re- 
lieved by the 32nd Division. 

The 35th Division lost heavily from the start. East 
of Voureuilles the division encountered a heavy fog, 
which hid the enemy machine guns, and then later a 
heavy cross fire from the village of Varennes swept 
the entire line, as a result of which a large number of 
men and officers were killed and wounded. Varennes 
and Cheppy were finally taken and by evening the 
Americans were on the hills north of Varennes and 
Very. 

On the 27th, the 35th Division lost heavily in taking 
Charpentry and Baulny, repulsing a counter attack the 
next morning. The strong position of Exermont was 
taken by the Division, but the troops were unable to 
hold it. Despite the great preparation that had been 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 191 

made, in the way of getting artillery support, the Amer- 
icans met with bitter resistance. The losses were so 
heavy that the attack could not be pushed further at 
the time and the lines were consolidated from the Bois 
de Bouleaux through Serieux and Chaudron farms to 
L'Esperance, near the Aire. During the night of Sep- 
tember 30 and October 1, the 35th was relieved by the 
1st Division. 

During the first day, the 4th French Army, on the 
west across the Champagne, had made rapid progess, 
penetrating the enemy territory to a depth of five kilo- 
meters. 

After reaching its objective on the first day, the 
33rd Division held on this line until the attack on Con- 
senvoye, in the opening offensive of the offensive east 
of the Meuse. 

On the second day of the attack, the 80th Division 
met some tough resistance in the way of German bat- 
teries and machine guns when taking the well fortified 
village of Brieulles-sur-Meuse. The 4th Division was 
also meeting with desperate opposition in attempting to 
advance on Brieulles. The 4th Division on the second 
day of the attack were handicapped by the lack of 
artillery support, its guns as yet having been unable 
to get up. However, on the morning of the 27th, the 
4th Division attacked again and with the 47th Infantry 
on the right, reached the north edge of the Bois de 
Brieulles. The 39th Infantry, which was on the left, 
went further still, but it suffered heavy losses and was 
compelled to fall back, before the day was over, to the 
southern slopes of Hill 295. The following day the 59th 
Infantry succeeded in clearing out the north edge of 
the Bois de Brieulles, and the next three days were 
spent in consolidating the line. 



192 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Continuing its attack the 79th Division, which had 
taken Montfaucon, succeeded in reaching the Bois de 
Beuge, where many machine guns were captured and 
later used to good advantage. On the east, the troops 
of the Division had pushed into Nantillois, and contin- 
uing the advance in the direction of the woods around 
the Ferme de Madeline. This was an exceptionally- 
strong position, and on the night of September 28-29 
the American artillery shelled that section of the Ger- 
man territory heavily. But despite this artillery prep- 
aration, the battle that followed the next day was one 
of the worst that took place in the Argonne. The in- 
fantry fought its way through the Bois de Ogons, but 
could not hold its position under the intense fire from 
the Ferme de Madeline and other points. The troops 
fell back to a line only a short distance ahead of the 
one occupied the night previous. The 116th Infantry 
had suffered terrible losses in the attack, and the re- 
serves took the front line. In their exhausted condition 
the reserve troops were unable to make much progress 
and they dropped back to the north edge of the Bois 
de Beuge. The 79th Division was relieved on the night 
of September 30, by the 3rd Division, having approx- 
imately 3,500 officers and men killed and wounded. 
The 3rd Division occupied the sector without attacking 
until October 4. 

On the first day of the drive, the 37th Division had 
halted in front of Ivoiry and west of Montfaucon. On 
the morning of September 27 the 74th Brigade pushed 
on through the Volker-Stellung trenches and to Ivoiry, 
while the 73rd Brigade took the hills northeast of the 
village before noon. Owing to the intensity of the fire 
from Cierges, the Americans were compelled to give up 




1^ 1?,.;:^^ 



i^ll^t^ 



,1 r^^p 

"5 i^'>i***\< Vj 




SCENES IN BEAUMONT. AMERICAN FLASH RANGERS (F. R. S. NO. 1) 

HAD THEIR FIRST OBSERVATION POST IN THE 

STEEPLE OF THE CHURCH. 




HATTONVILLE, A VILLAGE ALONG THE HEIGHTS OF THE MEUSE 

RIVER, AND TAKEN BY THE AMERICANS IN THE 

ST. MIHIEL DRIVE 



VILLAGE OF ST. MAURICE— LOCATION OF S. 

W\R CLOSED 



R. S. NO. 3 WHEN 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 193 

Hill 256 for the present, and fell back to the Volker- 
Stellung trenches, along the Montfaucon-Ivoiry road. 

The village of Cierges was in the little valley of 
the Ardon and was one of the enemy's chief positions. 
Another stronghold was the Bois de Beuge, but on the 
morning of the 28th, the 37th Division took these woods 
as well as the Bois Emont. The 37th encountered fierce 
fighting on September 29 and 30, and in an exhausted 
condition was relieved on the night of the 30th, by the 
32nd Division. 

On October 1, with excellent artillery support, and 
advances by the divisions on the flanks, the 32nd Div- 
ision attacked and soon occupied Cierges and the ter- 
ritory for almost a kilometer north of it. 

On the first day, the 28th Division, making rapid 
advances, reached a point in front of Montblainville, 
and the following day, continuing the attack, pushed 
its right flank a half a kilometer north of the village, 
and west of the Aire river. On the morning of Sep- 
tember, the division attacked again and the right suc- 
ceeded in taking Apremont, but on the left the troops 
had been halted in front of Chene Tondu. An attempt 
was made to flank Chene Tondu, but it proved unsuc- 
cessful. During the next four days, the line was held, 
despite several counter attacks by the enemy to regain 
the lost territory. 

In the intricate trench system of the enemy and the 
ravines of the wilderness, the 77th Division was fight- 
ing desperately for every foot of ground they took. 
After a number of attacks the troops took the Abri St. 
Louis and the Four Zube, and an immense dump of 
engineer and light railroad material near the Barricade 
Pavilion was secured. , 

These assaults were followed by steady fighting 



194 RANGING IN FRANCE 

through the wilderness until a position stretching along 
a ridge in the Bois de la Naze and across a ravine, was 
reached. 

On October 2 the 1st Battalion of the 308th Infantry, 
with detachments from the 307th Infantry and 306th 
Machine Gun Battalion, participated in the general at- 
tack. It was here that the 1st Battalion of the 108th, 
commanded by "Go-to-HelF* Whittlesey, featured in 
one of the most heroic incidents of the war. The *'Lx)st 
Battalion," as the unit is now known, penetrated the 
enemy lines and reached its objective late in the after- 
noon. On the following day the battalion found that it 
had been completely surrounded by the Germans. The 
position held by the Americans was on a bleak, un- 
sheltered ravine with the Germans on a cliff above. 
The enemy was so close that commands of the officers 
could be heard. For five days these heroic troops laid 
in their perilous position, repulsing savage attacks 
from the enemy, and no food after the third day. For 
water, the men depended upon a muddy stream at the 
bottom of the ravine, and one clear spring. But to go to 
these drinking places meant almost certain death from 
the German snipers. It was on the fifth day that the 
German commander sent a message by an American 
who had been captured to Major Whittlesey, stating 
that the enemy was aware of the deplorable condition 
of the Americans, and asking for the sake of the 
wounded and for humanity's sake, to surrender. It 
was then that Major Whittlesey is said to have sent the 
answer back that gave him the famous title. On the 
night of the fifth day, the 307th Infantry fought its 
way to the "Lost Battalion" and liberated the troops 
from their terrible position. 

An attempt has been made to give a brief descrip- 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 195 

tion of the part played by the various divisions of the 
1st Army during the ffrst fev^ days of the Argonne- 
Meuse, but space does not permit giving a detailed 
description of the heroic struggle during the v^eeks 
that followed. 

On October 4, the attack was renewed all along the 
front. Swinging to the right, the 3rd Corps followed 
the Brieulles-Cunek road. Gesnes was taken by the 5th 
Corps, and the 1st Corps advanced for over two miles 
along the valley of the Aire river, and in the wooded 
hills of the Argonne. 

Flash Hanging Section No. 1 reached the Meuse- 
Argonne front during the first week in October and 
on October 7, after the 1st Corps took Chatel-Chehery, 
the section established headquarters there. The Flash 
Rangers were held in reserve on this front until No- 
vember 1. 

By October 8, the Americans had captured Cronay 
and against stubborn fighting continued the advance. 
East of the Meuse, v^here the French and American 
troops were serving with the 1st Army, there was 
fierce fighting, especially in the Caures woods, as well 
as in the Ormont wood. The 1st Corps captured St. 
Juvin on the morning of October 14, and the 5th Corps 
in hand-to-hand encounters, entered the formidable 
Kriemhilde line, where the Germans had expected to 
halt the American advance. By brilliant attacks the 
5th Corps penetrated further into the Kriemhilde line 
and pushing forward, the 1st Corps took Chompigneul- 
les and Grand Pre. 

The advance was now becoming less difficult as the 
persistent attacks and dogged determination of the 
Americans was weakening the enemy^s line, despite the 



196 RANGING IN FRANCE 

fact that he was throwing in his best troops in an at- 
tempt to hold his positions. 

Ever advancing, the 3rd and 5th Corps reached the 
level country in the vicinity of Bantheville on October 
23, repulsing the enemy's violent attacks with great 
loss to him. 

The final advance in the Meuse-Argonne front 
started on November 1 and the enemy broke before the 
terrific artillery fire of the Allies and the determined 
efforts of the infantry. The Flash Rangers accompan- 
ied the American troops in this offensive. The section 
was equipped with six extra trucks from the corps ar- 
tillery in order to insure its keeping abreast of the in- 
fantry. The plan was to set up when the first objective 
was reached, but the Americans broke down the re- 
sistance so completely that the offensive was more like 
a triumphant march toward Sedan. During that period 
the Flash Ranging section moved seven different times, 
finally locating in the little village of Flava, on the 
Meuse, on November 9. The section immediately began 
establishing posts preparatory for an attack of the 2nd 
Army in the direction of the rich iron fields of Briey. 

In the beginning of the final American drive, the 
towns of Aincreville Doulon and Andevanne were taken 
by the 3rd Corps while the 5th Corps took Landres-et- 
St. Georges and pushed forward to Bayonville and 
Chennery. On November 2, the 1st Corps joined in the 
attack and, as General Pershing states, 'The movement 
became an impetuous onslaught that could not be 
stayed." 

A division of the 1st Corps had reached a point on 
the Meuse opposite Sedan, on November 6, and the 
main communication line of the enemy had been sev- 
ered. As the great American commander says: "The 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 197 

strategical goal which was our highest hope was gained 
and nothing but surrender or an armistice could save 
his army from disaster." 

Between September 26 and November 6 the Ameri- 
cans took 16,059 prisoners and 468 guns on this front. 
The American divisions engaged were the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 
4th, 5th, 26th, 28th, 29th, 32nd, 33rd, 35th, 37th, 42nd, 
77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, 82nd, 89th, 90th and 91st. 

At the close of hostilities. Flash Section No. 1 re- 
turned to Harricourt and from there to Charpentry, go- 
ing back through the section of the country fought over 
only a few days previous. At Charpentry, the detach- 
ment was intercepted by the newly formed 3rd Army, 
and included in the Army of Occupation. The section 
then proceeded to the Rhine, passing through Dur-sur- 
Meuse, Longuyun, Lomguy, and arriving at Aubange in 
Belgium, where they received a joyful welcome from 
the Belgians. An advance was then made through Bel- 
gium to the city of Arlon, and crossing the frontier into 
Luxembourg. A rest was taken in the little village of 
Lorentzweiler, ten kilometers north of the city of Lux- 
embourg, where the Flash Rangers spent Thanksgiving 
and visited the city of Luxembourg on a sight-seeing 
expedition. The beautiful city of Luxembourg made a 
very favorable impression with the men of the section, 
especially after having seen so much of the shell-torn 
and devastated section of France. It was while at Lor- 
entzweiler that the section was recalled to Toul to pre- 
pare for departing for the United States, *'the fairest 
of them all!" 



198 RANGING IN FRANCE 

LEST WE FORGET. 

SOLILOQUY OF AN OBSERVER AFTER A DAY ON POST 

It's been a great day — a big day! 

One bright, clear day among the many of a foggy 
French autumn. A new Boche battery to your credit, 
another location verified, two working parties located 
and dispersed. A Boche balloon reported in flames, also 
a Hun plane dropped within our lines, besides numer- 
ous little details of general intelligence to be later 
pieced into a Prussian secret. 

Ah oui ! It's been a great day, and relieved you are, 
en route for the billet with visions of a hot meal and 
industriously salvaged comforts floating before your 
eyes. 

Your step is snappy, your shoulders back (chesty, 
so to speak), your head high, your eyes shining, a light 
cane (necessity, of course) cockily flourished in the 
air. Meanwhile you are whistling a tune to the effect 
"Keep Your Head Down, Fritzie Man." This is not 
such a bad life after all. War is not so bad — 

"Teeouee-bang !" 

You have taken refuge in a muddy trench. 

"Teeouee-bang ! Teeouee-bang ! Teeouee-bang !" 

You endure a Boche strafing, meanwhile fondly 
hugging Mother Earth. 

"C'est Fini," and you wend your weary way home- 
ward, viciously jabbing the ground with your cane and 
returning the Boche barrage with a verbal strafing, 
while dark thoughts float through your mind. 

War is hell! 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 199 



CHAPTER X. 

F. R. S. NO. 3 TAKES THE FIELD 

One day, about the first of October, a jubilant 
crowd of kahki-clad men squeezed their way out of a 
stuffy little French coach and landed with their packs 
at the railway station in Toul. The men were from 
Company D, the latest graduates from the Flash Rang- 
ing School. Each with a vast amount of knowledge of 
the million different ways of locating enemy batteries, 
was bound for the front to put their theories into prac- 
tice. After a night spent in Toul, the detachment, 
under the command of Lieutenants Hulings, May and 
David, were ordered to climb into the waiting trucks, 
which were to carry the men to their destination. The 
three hours* journey carried them to the shattered sec- 
tion in the region of the famous Mont Sec, from whose 
heights the Germans had looked down upon the Allied 
armies for four years, and which were to later cause 
their disaster. 

An abrupt turn in the road led them down a little 
driveway, shaded on either side by an overhanging for- 
est of huge oak trees, which the Hun had a short time 
before been using as camouflage to hide his troops* 
movements. The trucks slowed down and came to a 
stop at the end of the roadway. The men clambered 
out and fell into line, to be addressed by Lieutenant 
Perry, who was in command of the section. In a few 
short words the veteran lieutenant commanded: 

**Men, this is the front. Put on your tin hats and 
wear your gas masks at alert." The men then fell out, 



200 RANGING IN FRANCE 

produced their mess kits and lined up for mess, consist- 
ing of ''canned Willie and hard tack/* 

During the few days following their arrival, the 
men were busily engaged in attaining a thorough 
knowledge of the country from the French S. R. 
O. T. No. 88, which was waiting to be relieved by 
the Americans. The French were using a four post 
base that extended along the front for a distance of 
10 kilometers. The sites for the posts were well chosen 
and suitably well located in the hills and woods com- 
manding the territory occupied by the Germans be- 
tween Metz and Conflans, including all the industrial 
centers in that area. 

The buildings occupied by central were located in 
the Bois de Vigneulles and the location was formerly 
a German divisional headquarters. These were well 
constructed, and even included a shattered bath house, 
which was later repaired. Upon the arrival of the 
Flash Rangers, there was a wild scramble for billets, 
beds, stoves and tables. It was a very congenial bunch 
of men that made their home here, about the only argu- 
ments arising being over who cut the most wood, or 
who was to build the fire in the kitchen stove in the 
morning. 

Observation post No. 1 was located nearly a kilo- 
meter behind central on a prominent hill above the 
village of Heudicourt. The post was some distance 
back of the lines, but its advantageous position enabled 
the observers to view the enemy's territory equally as 
well or better than in a balloon. Due to the ability of 
the camouflage artists, the men or posts were never 
molested by stray shells. "Camouflage discipline was a 
model." A striking incident that is a good example of 
this cautionary measure is evidenced by the actions of 




LEFT— SECTION OF GERMAN TRENCHES TAKEN BY AMERICAN 
TROOPS DURING ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE 

RIGHT— GERMAN TROOPS IN LORRAINE. FROM A PHOTO FOUND IN 

BILLETS OCCUPIED BY THE GERMANS REFORE THE 

ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE. 




PONT-A-MOUSSON ON THE MOSELLE RIVER. F. R. S. NO. 1 AND 

S. R. S. NO. 2 OPERATED HERE DURING THE 

ST. MIHIEL OFFENSIVE 

SKETCHED BY LOWELL TRIMBLE, F. R. S. NO. 1 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 201 

a sergeant in charge of the shift. It was a clear, star- 
light night and the Boche planes were endeavoring to 
let nothing go "unbombed." A crackling fire burned 
in the little post heater. The sergeant had just crit- 
icized one of the men for being careless with the read- 
ing light, whereupon he deliberately took out a match 
and lit his pipe, lighting not only his pipe, but throwing 
out a flare that would clearly reveal our position had 
a Boche plane been overhead at that particular moment. 
Then the tide turned. The private had something 
to say. 

This post was one of the satellites when it came to 
locating enemy batteries and reporting troop move- 
ments. The personnel of the post included one man, 
Private Cole, who held the place of honor in locating 
enemy planes. 

It is said that he could detect a plane from the time 
the aviator started his motor 30 kilometers behind the 
German line. Upon the aviator's arrival to within ten 
kilometers of the line, this specialist would jump from 
his seat, pour a pail of water on the fire, slip on his 
hobnailed shoes and prepare to count the men that 
followed him into the dugout. It was due to the strenu- 
ous efforts of Private Cole that a requisition was made 
to G. H. Q. for steam heat. The seclusiveness of this 
post enabled the linesmen to live in comfort. Their 
duties of kitchen police were only interfered with by 
an occasional souvenir hunt. 

In the position which the French had placed it. Post 
No. 2 did not conform to the American plans. For a 
period of two weeks the observers struggled to perform 
their duties on the hill between Vigneulles and Heide- 
court. A view of the enemy batteries in the region 
of Conflans could not be obtained owing to an interly- 



202 RANGING IN FRANCE 

ing promontory on which was located the village of 
Hatton-Chatel, although very creditable work was ac- 
complished by the observers in ranging and locating a 
battery in a barn yard in Souzmont. The men were 
thus busily engaged when suddenly, out of the stillness 
of the night, came sounds of infantry firing at machine 
gun speed. At first no one could determine the nature 
of the activity, but soon one man developed sufficient 
courage to thrust his head outside the post. He was 
greeted by a glaring flare, caused by the explosion of 
small arms ammunition, which had accidently taken 
fire. The bullets began flying so thick that for the 
"good of the service," the observers decided to seek a 
safer place. 

The men at this post were comfortably located in a 
small concrete house, which Fritz had previously con- 
structed. This proved a very home-like abode and a 
controversy arose between the men and the French 
officers over who should occupy it, the observers 
finally coming to the conclusion that they did not * 'par- 
ley Francais" and kept the billet. It was due to this 
fortunate circumstance that they retained their home. 

A short time later a change in plans necessitated 
the moving of this post to the farthermost point in the 
section, which was near the front line. 

No. 3 post was, perhaps, the best point for observa- 
tion, being located in the east end of the village of Hat- 
ton-Chatel. The little hamlet could be seen from most 
any point for many miles, being located on one of the 
prominent heights of the Meuse. 

One of the most interesting things noted from this 
post was the operating of a German naval rifle about 
eight kilometers back of the enemy lines. The Ger- 
mans could be seen at work and the American observers 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 203 

could easily pick up the flash of the gun, which was 
often firing on Hatton Chatel. The telephone lines 
were frequently cut, and almost invariably, the lines- 
men were called out at night to repair them. One even- 
ing a linesman, known as a ^'telephonist," came stag- 
gering into the billet, his face spattered with mud and 
his clothes badly torn. He entered the sergeant's 
quarters and laid a rusty piece of shrapnel on the table. 

"There it is, fellows," said he. 'That damned shell 
landed two feet away from me and is from that long 
range gun." 

''Yes," chimed in one of the observers, "so far away 
that the shell gets rusty on the way over." 

On numerous occasions the men at the post were 
forced to seek protection in the dugout to escape the 
shelling. One evening a loud report was heard, and the 
men left the post for the dugout. The instant they 
opened the door they were halted by a dense smoke, 
flying stones and dirt. The French who were tunnel- 
ing in had failed to warn the Rangers of the blast they 
had touched off. 

It is remarkable how much excitement an anti- 
aircraft "dud" will cause. One of these little visitors 
found its way through the roof and floor of the billet, 
and the supply sergeant, bringing out the five days' ra- 
tions in one hand and a candle in the other, accidentally 
found the inhabitants of the billets concealed in a huge 
Dutch oven. After seeing the effects of the shell he 
immediately departed in the direction of No. 4 post. 

No. 4 post planted itself in the hills above the town 
of St. Maurice. It was hastily "transplanted" on vari- 
ous occasions, due to some of Fritz's wandering bar- 
rages. In the early days of its existence the observers 



204 RANGING IN FRANCE 

were braving the rains and doing their best to keep 
up telephonic communication. Wet instruments and 
various other tributary causes made things very un- 
comfortable for the observers, but later a final and 
habitable post was established. The men who oper- 
ated it were a credit to the section. 

One night two observers at this post were diligently 
engaged in keeping instruments working and seeking 
shelter from the rain when suddenly over the wire to 
their post came the words: 

"Central we are leaving." 

A few minutes later, "Central, we are back," came 
over the wire. Later it developed that a high explosive 
shell had burst close to the post, the nose of it embed- 
ding itself in the ground between the two observers. 
No complaints were ever heard from this post except 
the week's threats on the supply sergeant, who tried 
to convince the men that two days' rations were suf- 
ficient for five. 

Above No. 3 post in the hills, or near Hannonville, 
No. 2 post had moved to a new location. The first 
night at this post was an excellent introduction to the 
front. The experiences of the men are best told by 
Cook Davis : 

"With the exception of machine gun fire, a few 
whizbangs and a little gas, the night was as calm as a 
June evening on the farm back home. Now wait — 
what I mean by a calm night, is when all this is hap- 
pening at least a kilometer away from the observation 
post. 

"We were all draped around our bunks and there 
was a feeling of satisfaction and comfort prevalent, 
because this was the one time during the 24 hours when 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 205 

each lad could loosen his clothing, scratch cootie bites 
and catch the little fellows that scampered playfully 
around the middle of his back. 

" Bang! Our worthy 'chef de poste' looked 

around and calmly announced that when we got ready 
to 'haul tail' for the dugout to kindly leave our blankets 
with him so he might sleep more comfortably. Just 
then another of Fritz's pets came over and hit much 
closer than the first. I knew it was much closer be- 
cause 'chef de poste' drew a sharp breath, the petit 
corporal set straight up in his bunk and John Fallon 
dropped a cootie which he had just chased into the 
corner of his undershirt and captured by a flank move- 
ment. I didn't say anything, because I was buried 
deep beneath my blankets, and had my fingers crossed, 
so that no shell fragments could touch me. 

"Now every story has its crisis — this one has one 
too. It came in the form of a long drawn out whine 
that ended in a full grown crash right in the middle of 
the billet next to our own. Now, I never did under- 
stand whether or not the 'chef changed his mind, but 
he suddenly forgot all about borrowing any blankets. 
The only reason he got first place in the dugouts was 
because he made better time than I getting there. It so 
happened that the mouth of the 'safety cellar' had been 
tightly boarded up and a stove placed before it. I do 
not know how the obstruction was removed, but I 
passed the stove in mid air. Up to this time every- 
thing had worked as if planned, but it was found that 
the 'chef de poste' was small, but the opening smaller. 
Nevertheless, the chef passed through. I was not so 
fortunate. Due to an expanded waist band, caused no 
doubt by my fondness for monkey meat, that my com- 
panions declined, I stuck fast. However, the monkey 



206 RANGING IN FRANCE 

in the meat appeared to be of much assistance to me 
at this time for I felt myself much more agile. By 
twisting and squirming I managed to get inside. 

"With the exception of a gas attack one night, noth- 
ing extraordinary occurred at the new location of 
Post No. 2. On this occasion Fritz kept up the bom- 
bardment for two hours, but it is safe to say that fully 
50 per cent of the shells were *duds.' ** 

During the brief time that F. R. S. No. 3 was in 
operation it made a very creditable showing. This 
was despite the fact that many of the days were foggy 
and generally the weather was unfavorable for observa- 
tion work. The section owes its success to the leader- 
ship of its officers, who devoted their efforts at all 
times to the work, and who, through their efforts, 
guided the men in operating the section. The section 
lost one man. Corporal S. W. Durkin, an efficient and 
popular linesman attached to No. 2 post. He con- 
tracted the Spanish Influenza, which developed into 
pneumonia and his death occurred at Base Hospital 
No. 55 on November 8. 

Corporal Durkin was ever interested in his work, 
and like the other linesmen of the section, was always 
ready to answer a call at any hour of the day or night. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 207 



CHAPTER XI. 

F. R. S. NO. 4 IS ORGANIZED 

On the evening of October 19, 1918, several truck 
loads of Company E, 29th Engineers, in charge of 
Lieutenants Houston, Sully and Smyth and Sergeant 
Thompson, arrived at the former F. R. S. No. 1 Central, 
in the Bois de Puvenelle, west of Pont-a-Mousson. 
Lieutenant Dow, designated as commanding officer of 
F. R. S. No. 4, was already established here, and with 
a few old men had been carrying on, in conjunction 
with S. R. S. No. 2. 

Next day the work began of re-establishing the 
system, and, by the morning of October 21, F. R. S. 
No. 4 was in full operation. 

Posts 1 and 2 were located east of the Moselle, No. 
1, in the trenches of Xon Hill, and No. 2 on Mousson. 
Their crews were billeted together, first in Atton, and 
then in some camouflaged French artillery dugouts on 
the southern slope of Mousson Hill. Sergeant Genung 
was put in charge of No. 1, Erdman had No. 2, and both 
posts were under the general supervision of Sergeant 
First Class Colt, late of F. R. S. No. 1, and assigned 
as instructor. H. G. Johnston and L. D. Trimble went 
as instructors to No. 1, and C. B. Trimble to No. 2. 

Post No. 3 was in a high, camouflaged iron tower, 
under the wings of central — or vice versa. Corporal 
Brovm had as shift leaders Corporals Sibbald, of the 
old section, and Michaud. 

Corporal James had charge of No. 4 post, built 
outside a former German concrete trench, west of 



208 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Norroy. Corporal McDonald was assigned here as 
instructor. 

Post No. 5, under the genial Corporal Quinn, was at 
first situated near Regnieville. Later it was moved 
up into No Man's Land, facing halfway between Pagny 
and Pregny. Corporal Treanor went to this post as 
instructor. 

Top Sergeant **Bwana" Thompson and Altfillisch 
alternated on a continuous watch at central. Corporal 
Mason, Dunlop and Miller took turns at the switch- 
board. Williams was chief of lines, and Richards 
electrical expert. 

Between Boche shelling and arrests by sentries, the 
men of posts No. 1 and 2 had a lively time of it, laying 
the lines on the night of October 20. In the course of 
a particularly heavy H. E. deluge, two of the lads took 
refuge in the famous mine shaft dugout under the old 
No. 2 post billet. At a depth of some 70 feet, one of 
them was heard asking the other if he could not get 
further down. That same night, the following dialogue 
took place upon the challenging of Acting Sergeant 
Erdman, by a 92nd Division "Blue" sentry: 
Sentry (in hollow tones) : "Who's there?" 
Erdman : "Friend with the countersign." 
S. : "Advance, friend, and give the countersign." 
(Business of stumbling up hill until almost on top 
of sentry.) 

E. (after a long wait) : "Well, do you want the 
countersign ?" 

S.: "Yes— Chicago!" 

The No. 1 and No. 2 Post billet was located first in 
Atton, but the Boche, apparently sensing the presence 
there of an exposed agglomeration of enemy talent, 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 209 

began a systematic shelling of the town, and hence the 
move to a more secure position halfway up the hill 
towards Mousson. 

It was while quartered here that the Trimble 
brothers organized several highly successful salvaging 
expeditions into late enemy territory. From then on, 
Cook Duffy fought a smoke battle every morning mak- 
ing "beaucoup" good pan-cakes from Boche flour. On 
one occasion he was induced to don a gas mask, but the 
blur that formed on the eye pieces, soon caused him to 
yank it off in disgust. 

At No. 1 Post Linesmen Brosky and McFetridge 
enjoyed a few days of well-earned leisure pending re- 
assignment after Richards and Williams, of central, 
had sleuthed out a working pair of lines in the Xon- 
Mousson cable, thus dispensing with what the Boche 
would have called the "twenty-two times in one night 
shot-up surface wires." 

Post No. 3, within hailing distance of central, may 
be said to have formed with it a close union of "tower- 
ing strength." Incidentally, a man on duty in thia 
crow's-nest had not the chance, as did the leading rep- 
resentative of No. 5 post, for example, to make fre- 
quent queries over the line as to mail, provisions, pay- 
day, and so forth. It is rumored that several of the 
bolder spirits volunteered for the linesman's job at this 
post, but that Lieutenant Dow, after conferring with 
Personnel Officer Smyth, ruled it to be a non-essential 
industry. 

Let us make transition from No. 3 to No. 4 post 
along with Sergeant-Major Crocker, who came out from 
Battalion H. Q. to do the F. and S. Sections at the 
front. Observing at No. 3 post, he kept the lines hot 
for some time on the subject of supposed Boche 



210 RANGING IN FRANCE 

working parties. But that was not a circumstance to 
the excitement he caused next day, by reporting an 
enemy train from No. 4 post. As this was the first 
railway activities to be brought to the notice of central, 
he had some difficulty in making himself understood, 
but he finally got the information in by slowly spelling. 
Unfortunately, the object sighted turned out to be 
nothing more mobile than a distant factory smoke- 
stack, of which only the top was visible. 

Post No. 4 men will long remember the stunt pulled 
by No. 2. Some of the 92nd Division Infantry were 
practising hand-grenade throwing one day, on a road 
leading out of Norroy. No. 2 post reported heavy 
shelling at that point, and central told them to count 
the rounds. In due time they called up to say that 
the shells were coming in too fast to count, but were 
pretty sure they were 150s. 

Upon the complaint of Corporal Quinn, that only 
by reading an occasional truck-dropped copy of the 
"Herald," could a man at his post tell that the war 
was on, it was decided to move No. 5 post into No 
Man's Land, facing the Pagny-Pregny line. Villers- 
sur-Pregny was picked out for the new billet, and one 
bright afternoon, the Quinn post army of occupation 
set out by truck from Regnieville under the command 
of Lieutenant Houston. The coincident arrival, at 
the outskirts of Villecie, of the truck and a Boche shell 
of about 560 calibre (according to some of the eye- 
witnesses), upset the program, if not the truck. All 
agreed that it was an H. E. shell, in every sense, even 
to being the father of a flock. Lieutenant Houston, 
with sincere courtesy, decided to yield the right of 
way, and as soon as the various members of the crew 
could be dissuaded from their intimate studies of the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 211 

landscape, the truck was gently backed up for about 
one-half a kilometer, until it could be turned around, 
and then headed direct to central. 

Here the party spent the night. Next day, a new 
plan of campaign was tried. Quinn and his men were 
motored to the vicinity of No. 4 post billet, whence 
they were permitted to pack everything some three 
miles to their destination. Some of the No. 4 post 
men lent a hand as porters in this final leg of the 
journey, merely exacting a portion of the jam supply 
by way of toll. 

Another incident of the move concerns a feather 
bed, upon which Quinn had cast a covetous eye. Two 
trusty privates were assigned as a salvage detail. As 
they proudly bore their prize along the road toward 
the new billet, they, at first, took little notice of a 
Boche plane overhead. But the Huns above constituted 
themselves as an impromptu reception committee, and 
began raining down machine gun bullets in the way of 
confetti. The couch bearers did a flash-away, and the 
plane sprinkled a large stretch of the road for good 
measure. At dusk, the journey was completed, and 
the repose of Quinn assured. 

The new post No. 5 was in No Man's Land, in a 
former Boche blinker station, shared with Corporal 
Eugene Raw and crew, of S. R. S. No. 2. Yielding 
to earnest persuasion. Raw refrained from any loud 
singing in the post at night. The Flash Ranging Lines 
were shot out many times before the armistice went 
into effect. 

The section continued in operation during the armis- 
tice, until word was received to leave for Toul. The 
night guard at central during this period found itself 
largely occupied with keeping rats out of the C. O.'s 



212 RANGING IN FRANCE 

room. At this time everyone was free to give undi- 
vided attention to the culinary efforts of Napier and 
''Canopener," who held the fort up to the day when 
the last truck load left for Toul. 

A few words as to the results accomplished by the 
^^Dowites." 

The section was slightly handicapped at the start, 
composed, as it was, nearly entirely of inexperienced 
men. Coupled with this, the visibility was so poor as to 
render observation impossible during at least one-half 
the time of its operation. In spite of this, the results 
were very creditable, the section having to its credit 22 
new enemy battery locations and at least 10 good indi- 
cations, which were later verified. 

As the base was originally established, this section 
was overlapping some of the territory covered by F. R. 
S. No. 2 and S. R. S. No. 2. For this reason a new 
base was laid out so as to cover the valley of the 
Seille, to the right. Some good work had already been 
done in that direction, but the signing of the armistice 
before all of the new posts were quite completed put an 
end to further work. 

After the evacuation of the enemy territory, several 
of the locations were visited. Unfortunately, time did 
not permit of investigating all of them, but those which 
were seen were all well within a 50 meter limit of the 
position indicated by the Flash Ranging Section, and 
in some instances, one had the great pleasure of seeing 
the effects of direct hits made upon the batteries by 
our own artillery. 



WITH P^LASH AND SOUND 213 



CHAPTER XII, 

S. R. S. NO. 4 IN ACTION 

Sound Ranging having proved a success in the 
American Army with three sections operating, it was 
decided to install a fourth section, thus extending the 
work in the field. Number 4 came into existence on 
October 20, just a few weeks after the great St. Mihiel 
offensive. The personnel of the section was made up 
from a number of men who had experience in Sound 
Ranging work and from men of Company D, of the 
29th Engineers, who had received training at the school 
at Fort de St. Menge. 

The central for the new base was located in the 
Foret de Amblonville, with the west end of the line 
extending near the historical city of Verdun. The 
men and the apparatus to be used in the section were 
taken from Mandres to the new location in auto trucks, 
incidentally proving an interesting trip to those who 
were visiting the front for the first time. 

At the time the base was installed preparations 
were under way by General Pershing for a powerful 
drive, with its object the city of Metz. All are familiar 
with the plans which were to form a salient and flank 
the city and cut off the communications in the rear. 

Lieutenant McClanahan, one of the veteran officers 
in the Sound Ranging work, was the commanding offi- 
cer of the section and was assisted by Lieutenant Monk, 
in charge of central, and Lieutenant Church in charge 
of lines. Lieutenant Clark was the section supply 
officer. 



214 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Of course the first few days were spent in installing 
the apparatus at central, the stringing of the lines and 
other work necessary before a base is ready for opera- 
tion. The dugouts at central also needed cleaning up 
and making habitable. Much of the furniture for 
the central and the dugouts was secured at Hanonville, 
where the Germans, in their hasty retreat, left every- 
thing they possessed. Several trips were made with 
a truck and returned loaded with tablecloths, stoves, 
feather ticks, pillows and many souvenirs. Owing 
to the geographical location of Hanonville, care had 
to be taken in entering it, as the enemy had an excellent 
view of the town from their observation posts on a 
clear day. Accordingly we made the trip on foggy 
mornings only. 

The account of the work on this section is told by 
Sergeant Brecht: 

"During the first few days we studied maps and 
made many trips through the woods and along the 
roads to secure the best locations possible for the lines. 
Two things must be considered in this work. First, the 
selection of a route that is not frequently shelled. Sec- 
ond, the nature of the country must be that which 
we could travel at night as well as during the day. 
In many places where observation could be made by 
the enemy, thus drawing shell fire from the Boche bat- 
teries. Thus, it was necessary for us to construct 
screens along the trails and brush in order that we 
might patrol the lines in daylight without drawing 
fire. Brush was the most popular method of camou- 
flaging, although burlap and grass, woven in wire, were 
used. The same as on other parts of the front, the 
roads that paralleled the front line were screened and 
were from eight to twelve feet high. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 215 

"While it is not the intention to go into the person- 
nel of the section, a few of the names are mentioned 
in order to chronicle the happenings of the few weeks 
the section was operating. On coming in from a 'hike' 
over the section of the country through which our 
lines were to extend we found a truck load of wire and 
we needed no bulletin to tell us what our duties on the 
morrow would be. Accordingly Sergeant First Class 
Micheals took charge of the right line station and the 
stringing of the lines on that end of the base, 
and Sergeant Brecht took charge of the same work 
on the left of the section and the right line station. 
To Sergeant McMillan was assigned the working of 
stringing the lines at central. The following morning 
we started the work. Owing to the topography of the 
country we were compelled to carry much of the wire 
on our backs, a task which was anything but a pleasant 
task. Much of the territory in this vicinity was fre- 
quently under shell fire, but fortunately the central 
was never located by the enemy guns. Our experience 
at St. Benoit, in Section No. 1, when our quarters were 
struck by a nine-inch gas shell, causing many casualties, 
taught us to wisely choose our new central location. 
As we cleared the front in stringing the lines the 
work became more difficult and hazardous and often 
we were compelled to 'duck' to avoid being hit by frag- 
ments from high explosives or shrapnel. 

''The left line station was located in the village of 
Mensil on the Meuse. The village is in ruins and has 
been deserted since the German drive in 1915. By 
going through the ruined buildings, we succeeded in 
securing some stoves, one having a large iron boiler 
attached. This we used for bathing purposes with the 
aid of an emergency ration can for a bath tub. In 



216 RANGING IN FRANCE 

this manner all were kept free from the vermin of the 
trenches — 'the cooties.' 

"The detectors, or microphones, on our base were 
located approximately one kilometer back of our first 
line trench and extended along the front for about 
nine kilometers, being six in number. The lines to 
microphones Nos. 3, 4 and 5 were laid with but little 
difficulty, but when it came to No. 6, things were 
somewhat different. The line to No. 6 ran through the 
villages of Mont and Villers to within a few hundred 
yards of Houdimont, a village at the base of a large 
hill. The terrain over which the line extended was 
low and in some place covered with water and barbed 
wire entanglements, making it necessary to follow 
the roadway, which was on a slight crest. This road- 
way was a favorite target for Fritz for shell fire. He 
often swept the road with his machine guns. Many 
times along this road has a linesman been forced to 
'flop' in the ditch for protection. 

"It was while installing microphone No. 6 that the 
Boche turned his machine guns upon us and we hugged 
mother earth as we never did before. We put in the 
detector, however, and early the next morning strung 
the wire to it. 

"The line to the observation post was next strung. 
The village of Manheulis was selected as the location 
for the post. A building in the northern part of the 
town proved to be the best adapted for the purpose. 
This was the only structure in the village that remained 
standing, shell fire having reduced the others to ruins. 
We fitted up an observation post in the second floor 
on the side facing the enemy, and from this position 
we had an excellent view of the territory held by the 
Germans. The first line was practically in the town 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 217 

and No Man's Land was so narrow at this point that we 
were compelled to talk in low tones in order not to 
betray our position to the enemy, a short distance away. 
We found it almost impossible to use the telephone and 
in order to work with central we moved back several 
hundred feet. In a few days we moved back, however, 
to our first location as the Boche found that fighting 
the American 'doughboys' at such close quarters was 
not to their advantage and not the most pleasant thing 
in the world. Consequently the enemy fell back to 
another position. 

"Our observers at the post were able to give much 
general and valuable information to the Intelligence 
Department regarding enemy movements in addition to 
doing the regular work in connection with locating 
John Boche's batteries by Sound Ranging methods. 
During the short time that Section 4 was on the front 
in operation, numerous thrilling incidents occurred, and 
the men had many narrow escapes. While the situa- 
tion was serious at the time, the incidents provided 
much amusement later. 

"The constant shelling of our section by the enemy 
guns caused much work on the part of the linesmen. 
The line to microphone No. 3 gave us the most trouble, 
as it extended over the top of a hill and in front of a 
battery of 75s, manned by American gunners. The 
battery was extremely active, and as a consequence, 
brought counter battery work from the German artil- 
lery. As a result the linesmen were compelled to 'roll 
out' of their warm blankets many a dark and rainy 
night to make the necessary splices, in order that 
'Charlie' might perform his proper functions. And 
many times were the linesmen forced to take cover in 
the narrow trench, with shell fragments nipping the 



218 RANGING IN FRANCE 

grass from the edges near them. 'Keep Your Head 
Down Fritzie Boy' proved wholesome advice to the 
Americans as well as their enemies. 

"The Germans had an unobstructed view of the ter- 
ritory in which microphone No. 4 was placed, and it 
was necessary to install the instrument under cover of 
darkness. It was camouflaged with a screen made 
from willows in order that it might not be 'spotted' by 
the German observers. 

* 'Little gas was used by the Germans on that sec- 
tion during the time we operated there and it was 
seldom that we needed to don our masks, although we 
always kept them at alert. Line work on the front, 
especially at night, is a hazardous and perilous task to 
say the least. In the inky darkness, with shells whist- 
ling above and around him, the linesman must fill his 
mission of keeping the lines in repair. Often it is 
necessary to follow the line closely, as the insulation 
is cut, causing a ground, thus interfering with the 
electric current to the instrument. Often during the 
night, the sound of a key is heard, denoting that some 
one is tapping the line. But as the messages were al- 
ways given in code, they could not be picked up by us. 

"There was much aeroplane activity in our sector. 
A few days before hostilities ceased six enemy aero- 
planes swooped suddenly out of the hazy clouds and 
attacked two Allied planes below them, one an Ameri- 
can and the other French. After some manoeuvering, 
the Frenchman cut off one of the German planes and 
turning his machine gun on his adversary brought him 
to the ground. The German fell in a heap in No Man's 
Land, a short distance from Marchville. We later vis- 
ited the spot where the aviator had fallen. The plane 
was completely wrecked, the engine being buried over 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 219 

four feet in the ground. The pilot was crushed into 
a shapeless mass. That night the Germans made an 
attempt to recover what remained of the plane, but to 
no avail, owing to the vigilance of the 'doughboys/ 

*'No 1 line station was located in the woods about 
three kilometers from Maniel, the site of the left line 
station. It was in this vicinity that part of the Crown 
Prince's forces were repulsed in their drive toward 
Verdun the first year of the war. This post was lo- 
cated in the village of Saulx, where many thrilling 
incidents occurred. The post was subjected to terrific 
shell fire. Raiding parties were sent out every night 
to the enemy trenches. It was here that Private Steele, 
one of the observers, rendered much valuable assistance 
by acting as guide for the raiding parties. He was 
familiar with the topography of the country and the 
location of the barbed wire entanglements. He had 
many thrilling and interesting experiences and was 
commended by the major of the infantry battalion for 
his bravery and worthy efforts. One dark, rainy night 
Private Steele was called upon to lead a raiding party 
into the enemy trenches. Great caution was necessary 
by the party and much time was consumed in getting 
across No Man's Land, the Americans cleverly avoid- 
ing an enemy patrol. They at last reached the Ger- 
man lines and, approaching a dugout, the sound of 
singing and hilarity in general could be heard coming 
from within. A few hand grenades thrown down the 
stove pipe was all that was necessary to bring about 
tranquility. A number of the occupants were killed 
and wounded and the others were only too glad to sur- 
render when given the opportunity. 

''Prisoners were not always secured when raiding 
parties went out; when live prisoners could not be 



220 RANGING IN FRANCE 

taken, and in a case of this kind, an effort was made 
to get a shoulder strap or some article of clothing by 
which the enemy division could be identified. 

''Prisoners could not always be depended upon to 
give reliable information regarding movements of the 
enemy. One incident of this kind occurred at Marche- 
ville, then the German front line. The prisoner gave 
the German strength in the village as one company, 
when a battalion held it. As a result of the informa- 
tion secured from the prisoner, twenty Americans were 
detailed to take the town. The raid was a success, 
however, as many Germans were killed and a number 
taken prisoner. But the town, of course, remained 
in the hands of the enemy. Daylight having overtaken 
the Americans before they could return to their own 
lines they returned under cover of a heavy fog. They 
had but few casualties. 

"On the hills back of Saulx, the Germans had 
opened a quarry for the purpose of securing rock for 
improving the roads in their territory. This work 
had been very perilous, however, owing to the sweeping 
fire of the French and American artillery. Following 
the St. Mihiel offensive, the Americans found many 
roads almost impassable owing to the lack of rock 
foundations, indicating that the Germans had been 
pressed for some time. 

"We found that the Germans, owing to the scarcity 
of rubber, used iron tires for auto trucks, with a system 
of springs, both leaf and coil, which are very efficient, 
but far out-classed by rubber. 

"The rock from the mines was secured at the cost 
of many lives, judging from the number of graves 
and bodies of dead Germans in the vicinity. Scarcely 
a blade of grass was left on the crest of the hill, a 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 221 

tribute to the accuracy of the American and French 
artillery. 

"In following up with the St. Mihiel offensive we 
passed many artillery positions that previous to the 
drive were far behind the German lines. In many 
cases direct hits had been made and the bodies of the 
gun crew lay around the shattered piece like so many 
mummies in their death slumbers. 

"November 11, the day which will ever be stamped 
on the memory of those who were on the front on that 
memorable date — the day on which hostilities ceased 
and the guns were silent for the first time in four years. 
The artillery and machine guns had been active during 
the early hours and later the infantry went over the 
top for the last time in the great war. The Germans 
increased their artillery fire, using high explosives and 
shrapnel. In the face of terrific shell fire the 130th 
Infantry, 33rd Division, were advancing on the Ger- 
man positions when recall sounded above the din of 
the battle. The Germans mistaking it for a charge 
increased the artillery action, and during the last few 
minutes of the great conflict, many Americans crossed 
the Great Divide. It was 11:02 when the last gun on 
that section of the front was fired and the Americans 
immediately started across No Man's Land for the 
German trenches with no thought of danger — the war 
was over ! The Germans could not conceal their pleas- 
ure at the close of hostilities and showed a tendency to 
fraternize with their erstwhile enemies. In some 
cases, the 'doughboy* accepted the invitation, but in 
most cases the Americans, while treating them with 
respect, said but little to the Germans. When the 
'doughboy' condescended to talk to John Boche, it was 
only to parley over the purchase of a souvenir, Ameri- 



222 RANGING IN FRANCE 

can tobacco, cigarettes and soap being traded for 
pistols, iron crosses or whatever the Teuton had to 
exchange. 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 223 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE CLOSE OF THE WAR 

By November 1, the Germany Army was in full 
retreat. It had been beaten and driven back at every 
point on the front. The "new German democratic 
government/' as the new faction desired to be known, 
had declared itself ready for peace on the principles of 
the fourteen points laid down by President Wilson 
many months before. It is familiar history of how 
the President answered the defeated Hun, telling the 
vanquished foe that Marshal Foch must make the 
terms of an armistice. 

Regarding the contemplated plans for continuing 
the advance. General Pershing says : 

"On the three days preceding November 10, the 
3rd Corps and the 2nd Colonial 17th French Corps 
fought a difficult struggle through the Meuse hills 
south of Stenay and forced the enemy into the plain. 
Meanwhile my plans for further use of the American 
forces contemplated an advance between the Meuse 
and the Moselle, in the direction of Longwy, by the 
1st Army, while at the same time, the 2nd Army should 
assume the offensive toward the rich iron fields of 
Briey. These operations were to be followed by an 
offensive toward Chateau-Salins, east of the Moselle, 
thus isolating Metz. Accordingly attacks on the 
American front had been ordered and that of the 2nd 
Army was in progress on the morning of November 11, 
when instructions were received that hostilities should 
cease at 11 o'clock." 



224 RANGING IN FRANCE 

" — and that of the 2nd Army was in progress," 
thus tersely is described the activity on that memorable 
morning, where between the Meuse and the Moselle 
were staged the most dramatic incidents connected with 
the cessation of hostilities. For along the entire line 
during the morning, the Americans flung themselves 
against the strong Hindenburg defenses, to find that 
the enemy strongholds would not easily be taken. 

When the war came to a close Sound Ranging Sec- 
tions Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Flash Ranging Sections 
Nos. 2, 3 and 4 were operating with the Second Army, 
while F. R. S. No. 1 was with the 1st Army on the 
Meuse-Argonne front. 

The writer was at St. Benoit during the closing 
days of the war. For two weeks prior to November 
10, the Americans harrassed the Germans continually 
with artillery fire and kept the enemy always on the 
alert for raiding parties, which nightly penetrated his 
lines. The preparations now being made for the attack 
on Metz, which we now saw was imminent, was carried 
on with untiring energy. Great stores of ammunition 
was brought and placed in convenient places. Guns 
and howitzers from 75s to the big naval rifles were 
brought up and put in position until it seemed as 
though all the artillery operated by the American Army 
had been placed between the Moselle and the Meuse. 
Some of the best work done during the war by the 
Sound and Flash Rangers was performed during that 
period. This was especially true in the case of the 
sections operating in the vicinity of the Moselle, oppo- 
site which point the enemy had concentrated much of 
his artillery. 

S. R. S. No. 1, following the gas attack on October 1, 
had been in charge of Lieutenant Kuhns. The central 




SCENES OUTSIDE THE ANCIENT CITY OF LANGRES 





TOP— THE CITY OF NANCY. IT WAS NEAR THIS PLACE THAT THE 

AMERICANS FIRST ENTERED THE TRENCHES ON 

OLD LORRAINE FRONT 

TOUL— FIFTEEN KILOMETERS FROM THE FRONT, PRIOR TO THE 

ST. MIHIEL DRIVE 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 225 

had been moved from St. Benoit to Lamarche, but later 
it was moved again to a point in the woods about two 
miles west of Lamarche, owing partly to the unsanitary 
condition of Lamarche and partly due to the fact that 
the village had been occupied by a battalion of engi- 
neers. The presence of many troops in the town would 
bring shell fire from the Germans and this we desired 
to avoid, as satisfactory results could not be obtained 
where the wires were cut by shell fire too frequently. 

Those were great days on the front. News of the 
American victories all along the front made it only too 
plain that it was only the matter of a short time when 
Germany must give up. The surrender of Austria, 
as well as other allies of Germany, caused us all to 
feel that the end was drawing near. 

Then came the news that the German delegation 
had been received at Paris. Would the armistice be 
signed? This momentous question furnished material 
for debate where two or more might chance to meet. 
It was discussed at mess, in the dugouts, observation 
posts and certainly by the "doughboys" in the line. 

At 6 o'clock on the evening of October 28, the Amer- 
icans surprised the Germans by putting over a heavy 
barrage along the front, which was followed by a big 
raiding party, which resulted in "bagging" a number 
of prisoners. This performance was repeated the fol- 
lowing evening and on the morning of November 2, a 
big raid was made, which netted the Americans over 
50 prisoners, mostly old men and boys. 

The Americans met with considerable loss in front 
of St. Benoit and Beney. The Intelligence Section re- 
ceived the information through some source unknown to 
the Flash and Sound Rangers that certain positions had 
been given up by the Germans, and following a heavy 



226 RANGING IN FRANCE 

bombardment, the infantry was ordered to advance. 
Much to their surprise they were met by a murderous 
machine gun fire. Our losses were quite heavy, and 
we were compelled to fall back to our original line. 
The artillery had also received orders to move forward, 
but later found itself under heavy fire from the German 
guns, while on the road between St. Benoit and Damp- 
vitoux. The forward movement was halted. 

Additional artillery and infantrymen were brought 
up during the night of November 10, preparatory for 
the attack on the morrow. Seventy-fives were placed 
just back of our front line. The distance between the 
German and American trenches here was only a few 
hundred yards. Two battalions of the 109th Infan- 
try, 28th Division, were brought up to launch the 
attack on the Germans' position in the vicinity of 
Lachausee. 

"The armistice has been signed. Hostilities will 
cease at 11 o'clock!" 

This was the message that the telephone operator on 
duty at the linesmen's station at St. Benoit received at 
5 o'clock on the 11th. The information came through 
the wireless station, which had intercepted the message 
which was being sent out to the world. 

"Hey fellows, it's all over, the armistice is signed !" 
yelled the operator, who immediately began to awaken 
the occupants of the dugouts and make known to them 
the joyful news. 

Even the cooties must have been disturbed by the 
commotion made by the linesman and no doubt nestled 
closer against their bed fellows — ^the sleeping Sound 
Rangers. 

But the men did not take kindly to the disturbance. 
Most of us had been up the greater part of the night 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 227 

as the lines had gone out earlier in the evening, and it 
is no wonder the enthusiastic telephone man met with 
such responses as : 

"What in hell you makin' all the noise about?" 
"Someone hit him with a shoe/* "Couldn't you wait till 
morning to start that one?" No one seemed to take 
any particular interest at that time whether the war 
would end before noon or whether we would spend an- 
other eight months on the job. 

But three hours later, when we rolled out to sample 
Parker's hotcakes, bacon and coffee, a little more 
interest was manifested. The news had spread through 
the artillery, engineer and infantry units quartered in 
the village and the faces of the men bore a smile that 
morning that had been missing for many long weary 
months. 

But the fighting was not all over for the "dough- 
boys." During the morning hours, as stated before, 
attacks were made by the Americans along the entire 
line. Preceded by heavy artillery action, the two bat- 
talions from the 109th Infantry attempted to cross the 
swamps between Haumont and Lachausee. They 
found that the enemy had flooded this terrain the 
night previous and gassed the area thoroughly. In the 
face of a withering machine gun fire the Americans at- 
tempted to take the strong Hindenburg defenses. The 
German machine gun nests were deep concrete pits, 
difficult positions for the American artillery to wipQ 
out. Finding that, under the circumstances, it would 
be only a sacrifice of men to further attempt to take 
this point, the American forces fell back to the line 
they formerly held. Many a "doughboy" lost his life 
that morning after it was definitely ascertained that 
the armistice had been signed and that hostilities would 



228 RANGING IN FRANCE 

cease at 11 o'clock, regardless of what transpired in 
the meantime. An officer at brigade headquarters 
told me later in the day that 90 men had been brought 
to the first aid station that morning as a result of what 
appeared to be a needless attack. The number of lives 
lost that morning in the attack of the Second Army will 
probably never be known. 

Within one hundred yards of our dugout in St. 
Benoit was a battery of 75s and the commander told 
us that at 9 o'clock they, as well as all other artillery 
outfits in that sector, would be permitted to fire as 
many rounds as desired for a period of 15 minutes. 
The hour for celebrating the victory had arrived. I 
think every piece of American artillery participated in 
that bombardment. The solid earth shook to the 
roar of the guns. Between their thunder-like claps a 
new note began to weave itself into the uproar — 
the sharper clatter of rifle fire and machine guns. 
Others besides the artillery were celebrating. We 
dashed into the dugout and brought out rifles and auto- 
matics and, during the 15 minutes that followed, added 
our bit to the din. 

The bombardment died away, but later orders were 
given that during the three minutes prior to 11 o'clock, 
as many rounds as possible would be fired. 

With Parker, I stood in the doorway of the shack 
we used as a kitchen the last three minutes of the war. 
When the guns opened with the roar, which we had 
heard so many times during those eight months on 
the front, I looked at the French clock in the corner. 
It was 10:57. Was this truly the end? It was al- 
most unbelievable that we were hearing the last bar- 
rage. The hands of the dial now point to one minute 
to eleven. There seems to be no abatement in the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 229 

roar of the artillery. Another half minute slips past. 
There appears to be a slackening of the action, but the 
75s back of our billets are as active as ever. A few 
seconds pass — they seem like minutes. Suddenly the 
firing ceases. There is silence — silence so great that 
it in itself is appalling. We look at the old French 
clock. We distinctly hear it tick off exactly six seconds 
— then it strikes the hour of 11. 

The American artillery fire on the morning of 
November 11 was returned with equal spirit by the 
Germans, the enemy shelling the front line as well as 
the areas in the rear. 

The sudden calm brought the ''doughboys," in their 
fox holes, to realize that the wild rumor, of which they 
had been rather dubious, was the "right dope" after 
all. It took a few moments for the real meaning of 
the thing to dawn upon them. They laid down their 
rifles, and, jumping to their feet, sent three cheers 
re-echoing among the hills, where only a few minutes 
before could only be heard the roar of the cannon. 

But what is this — pouring from the enemy machine 
gun nests and entrenchments into No Man's Land was 
a streak of figures in green colored uniforms, their 
hands raised to show they bore no arms. Amazed the 
Americans waited. Then they noticed that the Ger- 
mans were grinning and making every effort to show 
that they were friendly. Slowly the American ''dough- 
boys" made their way over to the spot where the vis- 
itors had halted. The enemy on whom they had been 
hurling shells and bullets only a few minutes before 
were there grinning and extending their hands. The 
Americans were not so enthusiastic. Coldly a few of 
the "doughboys" shook the hand of a German, others 
disdainfully refused to fraternize. 



230 RANGING IN FRANCE 

"I'd sooner hit him in the jaw than take his bloody 
hand," said an indignant ''doughboy." 

Then the Germans displayed an assortment of 
souvenirs. That settled the matter. The Americans 
produced tobacco, soap, slickers, leather vests, etc. For 
these the Germans traded lugers, wound badges, iron 
crosses, rings, coins and belt buckles, so dear to the 
heart of the ''doughboy." 

Soon the order came for the Americans to fall back 
within their own lines, and guards were placed along 
the front to prevent the soldiers from going into No 
Man's Land. I had gone down to the front line with 
two of the men from the station. We were, of course, 
stopped by the guard when attempting to cross the 
line. Our object was to get to the German positions. 

"Orders against going any further," said the sentry. 

"Wiring party, looking for a suitable route to string 
a line to Damvitoux, as soon as the Germans fall back," 
I replied. He didn't question the veracity of the state- 
ment. He permitted us to pass. 

Once outside our own lines the problem was easy. 
We approached a group of Germans, many of them 
decked out in American raincoats, leather vests and 
other articles of clothing which they had secured from 
the "doughboys." Observer Cobb, one of the men, 
addressed a Boche in German and Fritzie was over- 
joyed. A few of the others could speak English and 
we learned they were heartily glad the war was over. 
There were absolutely no signs of humiliation on their 
part, and they might have been the victors, as far as 
showing their defeat in their attitude was concerned. 
However, they told us, and their statements were veri- 
fied all along the line by other Germans, that if the 
armistice had not been signed the entire army in front 



^ 4 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 231 

of US would have surrendered at 12 o'clock on the 
same day. 

When the Germans returned to their lines, we 
mingled with them and passed the enemy sentries in 
front of their positions unnoticed. Once through the 
wire entanglements we visited the enemy's machine 
gun nests, which formed part of the Hindenburg de- 
fenses. Deep trenches, the sides of which were of re- 
inforced concrete, extended behind concrete dugouts, 
constructd below the surface of the ground, making 
it difficult to locate them and more difficult to de- 
molish them by shell fire. But the work of the Ameri- 
can artillery was quite evident. There was hardly a 
foot of ground that had not been churned by Yankee 
shells. A narrow gauge railroad had been completely 
destroyed, the iron rails being broken and twisted into 
an unrecognizable mass. 

In front of the entanglements were the mines, placed 
there in readiness to be fired when the Americans 
reached that locality. The Germans were still in the 
trenches and so conditions were when the firing ceased 
at 11 o'clock. 

That the Germans were experiencing a shortage of 
rations was quite evident, for their evening meal con- 
sisted of some black bread and coffee. This might 
not have been the case at all points along the front, 
but such were the conditions as they prevailed in front 
of us. 

While these stirring events were transpiring on the 
front; celebrations were being held in the rear. Back 
in the little village of Mandres, Sound Ranging Head- 
quarters, when the rumble of the guns had died away, 
the chimes in the steeple of the old church that had 
been silent for four long years, pealed out the joyful 



232 RANGING IN FRANCE 

tidings. The troops quartered in the town were almost 
frantic with joy. Then down the main street of the 
village comes a band from a negro regiment, playing 
the familiar strains of 

"Ifs Time for Liberty Bells to Ring Again," 

"The most impressive thing I ever experienced," 
said Sergeant Taylor afterward. "And," he contin- 
ued, "as I glanced across to the little American ceme- 
tery and saw the flags waving over the graves of the 
boys who had given their lives at the battle of Seiche- 
prey and at other times, the thought came to me that 
they had not made the sacrifice in vain." 

And ten days later, when we returned to Mandres 
from the front, we found Magda Laurent, the aged 
mademoiselle, in the street in front of her little home, 
waiting to welcome us. The tears of joy were stream- 
ing down her face as she clung to the boys from Amer- 
ica she had known since early spring. 

On the front we are amazed at the remarkable 
change in conditions. No further need for camou- 
flaging. American troops are pouring into the village 
and filling up every building. Smoke is rising from 
every chimney. It is the first night following the ces- 
sation of hostilities and lights are streaming from every 
building, the first time in four years. Automobiles 
dash along the highway with flaring headlights. Not 
a gun has been fired since 11 o'clock. We miss them. 
The old thrills are gone. As I sit with the others in 
front of the roaring fireplace in the building where 
we have moved, I find it hard to realize that it is all 
over. I am afraid that we will sometimes yearn to hear 
the roar of the guns, the terrific crack of an "on de 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 233 

choc/' as the big projectile tears through the air, or 
the staccato rattle of the machine guns. Then our 
thoughts turn to the boys in the hospitals and the folks 
at home. What glorious news for them all. 

And, above all, we ponder over that now momentous 
question of: 

''When are we going home?" 



234 RANGING IN FRANCE 



CHAPTER XIV. 

HOMEWARD BOUND 

Our story is almost done. 

'The war is over and our work is through. We are 
ready to go home," so said Captain Bazonni, the morn- 
ing following the one on which the armistice was 
signed, and we fully agreed with him. 

Monday, the various sections, with the exception 
of F. R. S. Nos. 1 and 2, which had gone forward with 
the army of occupation, began taking up the wire on 
their respective bases, after which orders were issued 
for them to report to Toul, where the battalion was 
being mobilized, preparatory for sailing for home. 

The various sections began arriving in Toul on 
November 22, and were quartered at Jeanne d'arc Bar- 
racks, about two miles from the center of the city. It 
was a great reunion. The men in this branch of the 
service had been scattered from Chateau-Thierry to 
Pont-a-Mousson, and many had not seen each other 
since the first detachment left old Fort de St. Menge 
for the front. 

F. R. S. Nos. 1 and 2 did not arrive until a few 
days after, as some delay arose in getting orders to 
these detachments, who were moving up into Germany. 

On Thursday, December 19, orders came to move 
to St. Nazaire, from which port we would sail for 
America. The following morning we boarded the train 
at Toul to take our last ride in the French box cars 
that held "40 Hommes or 8 Cheveaux." Two days 
and nights were spent on the train and some of the 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 235 

pleasures (?) of that trip could not be better exploited 
than by publishing the following poem: 

HOMMES, 40— CHEVEAUX, 8 

Roll, roll, roll, over the rails of France 

See the world and its map unfurled, five centimes in 

your pants. 
What a noble trip, jolt, jog and jar. 
Forty we, with equipment C, in one flat wheel box car. 

We are packed by hand. 

Shoved aboard in teens. 

Pour a little oil on us 

And we would be sardines. 

Rations! Oo-la-la! and how we love the man 

Who learned how to intern our chow in a cold and 

clammy can. 
Beans and beef and beans, beef and beans and beef, 
Willie raw, he will win the war, take in your belt a 
reef. 

Mess kits flown the coop. 

Cups gone up the spout. 

Use your thumbs for issue forks 

And pass the bull about. 

Hit the floor for bunks, six hommes to one homme*s 

place. 
It*s no fair to the bottom layer, to kick 'em in the face. 
Move the corp'ral's feet out of my left ear, 
Lay off, Sarge, you are much too large — 
Fm not a bedsack, dear. 

Lift my head up, please, 

From this bag of bread ; 

Put it on somebody's chest, 

Then I'll sleep like the dead. 



236 RANGING IN FRANCE 

Roll, roll, roll, roll, hammer and snore and fight. 
Traveling Zoo the whole day through, and bedlam all 

the night. 
Four days in the cage, going from hither to hence. 
Ain't it great to ride by freight at good old Unc's 

expense ? — Ex. 

When we left Toul we had visions of being on board 
a transport and some even had hopes of eating their 
New Year's dinner under the parental roof. But we 
were doomed to disappointment. From St. Nazaire 
we were sent back to Nantes and billeted in Pont- 
Rosseau, a suburb of the city. 

We stayed at Pont-Rosseau until February 12, 
daily expecting orders to move to the embarkation 
camp. On the morning of February 12, we again 
boarded the train, but this time it was only a few 
hours' ride in the box cars. The following morning at 
Camp 2, we were given our physical inspection. In 
the afternoon we were marched over to Camp No. 1, 
where we were put through "de-cootizer," when many 
of the boys donated a big share of their souvenirs — ^to 
whom, we have never been able to learn — but of course 
will always have our opinion. We were then taken 
to the ^'isolation" camp and kept for three days. On 
the afternoon of February 24, we left the camp and 
marched to the docks at St. Nazaire, where we boarded 
the steamer Nansemond, which sailed the following 
morning, bound for the United States at last. 

The trip was not a bad one, considering the fact 
that 5500 men were aboard. Nothing of importance 
transpired during the trip and on the morning of Tues- 
day, March 11, we sailed up Chesapeake Bay, past 
Fort Monroe, old Point Comfort, and other historical 




UNITED STATES STEAMSHIP NANSEMOND, WHICH BROUGHT HOME 

THE FIRST BATTALION 74TH ENGINEERS (FORMERLY 

SECOND BATTALION 29TH ENGINEERS) 



WITH FLASH AND SOUND 237 

points, on the noted Hampton Roads. The troops cov- 
ered the decks, swarmed over the hatches, filling the 
rigging and heads protruded from every porthole as 
the big vessel steamed up the bay and entered the 
river. 

The band had taken up its position on the forward 
deck and above the deafening cheers could be heard 
the strains of, 'The Gang's All Here," ''Over There'* 
and other patriotic airs. Then we came opposite the 
pier where the vessel was to dock. On the dock was 
the reception committee, accompanied by a band, to 
welcome home the troops. As the big tugs warped 
the vessel into the slip the din increased and continued 
until the men were ordered below to prepare for de- 
barking. The patriotic citizens of Newport News 
lined the streets of the little city as we marched 
through them and out to Camp Stuart. 

At Camp Stuart, the battalion ceased to exist. 
While at Toul it had been changed from the 2nd Bat- 
talion, 29 Engineers, to 1st Battalion, 74th Engineers, 
and we were discharged as such. From Camp Stuart, 
the men left in detachments for the respective camps, 
in the sections of the country in which they resided. 

On the afternoon of March 16, Major Ljmian ad- 
dressed the entire battalion on the parade grounds, at 
which time he expressed his regret on having to part 
with the men with whom he had associated in France, 
and paid a high compliment to the work of the men in 
his command. 

The following morning, March 17, the men rolled 
their blankets for the last time, marched to the waiting 
trains, which were to whirl them to the camp at which 
they would be discharged. 

The End. 



APPENDIX 



BARDS OF THE FLASH AND SOUND 

BEFORE THE BATTLE 

(The following verses were contributed by Private Reese, 
written prior to an attack by the Germans upon the American 
troops in the Toul sector, in June, 1918.) 

It is just before the battle, 

Everything is deathlike still. 
You can hear the wind a whistling 

Through the oak trees on the hill; 
And you hear the rats a gnawing 

Between the dugout walls 
As you lay down on your straw tick, 

That's so crumby that it crawls. 

The Huns are coming over, 

'Tis certain, for you've seen 
All day their troops a massing 

In their dirty suits of green. 
Their artillery has been ranging 

On the roads behind the towns, 
And you wonder if you'll whimper 

When it comes to a show-down. 

One bunkey is a whetting 

On a murderous-looking knife. 
And another one is pondering 

O'er a letter to his wife; 
And another shoving bullets 

Into his rifle magazine, 
And another peddling rumors 

He heard at the latrine. 
Another guy is filling 

Up his pockets with grenades, 
23$ 



240 APPENDIX 

And another singing softly 
'Bout a rose that never fades. 

And you close your eyes a dreaming 

Of your home away out West, 
Where the roses are in blossom 

And the robins come to rest. 
You see your little mother 

'Neath the vines around the door, 
And your eyes with salt are smarting. 

And your heart feel shamefully sore: 
And you hear your sister singing. 

And you see your daddy go 
A puttering around the garden 

Where his spuds and cabbages grow. 

You wonder why the nations fight 

When there's happier things to do. 
And you curse the guys that started 

All this bloody hullabaloo. 
Then another thought comes chasing 

The curses from your mind. 
And you think of how courageous 

Are the folks you left behind. 

How bravely they have struggled 

As they smiled and bade you go 
To rid the world forever 

Of its military woe. 
Then you feel your jaws a tightening, 

And you feel your war-blood run. 
And grip your rifle tighter; 

Damn the Boche! Just let them come. 

COOK CHESTER REESE, Co. B. 



APPENDIX 241 

A TOAST TO PARTING 

Come, friends, let us empty a flowing cup 

With yesterday bubbling o'er; 
Let us drink of the past a refreshing sup, 

Of the ones we shall meet no more. 

Let the bubbles that sparkle and blink at the brim, 

And glisten and flit away. 
Be the ones who have left us through Fate or whim, 

Whose laughter we hear today. 
And if Time, with his sickle, scowls over the bowl. 

To claim what his years have ta'en. 

A defiance brave in his face we'll troll. 

And drink of the past again. 

When we have finished our vintage rare, 

And naught is left but the leaves; 
The recipe safe in our breast we'll bear 

To brew us again when we please. 

PRIVATE J. P. KELLEY, Co. B. 

THE WAR AS IT ISN'T 

The folks back home read the daily news 
Of their boys in France in russett shoes, 

And spiffy suits and a mademoiselle, 
But damn few know that war is hell. 

Big, long columns in the magazines, 

Of the boys loafing 'round the big canteens; 

The truth of it all, I'm going to tell, 

The boys at the front say "War is Hell." 

We wallow 'round in the muddy trench, 

While the boys in the rear learn to parley French; 

The folks at home sit and read all day 

Of the work at the front of the Y. M. C. A. 

Did we get the furloughs and candy and pie, 
And doughnuts and cocoa, that sells so high. 

It's hard to believe, but I'll tell you why — 
It's the game of war — as it isn't. 

PRIVATE CHAS. A. WILSON, Co. B. 



242 APPENDIX 

THE ROAD TO RAMBUECOURT 
(Written just prior to the St. Mihiel offensive'.) 

Across the seas, on the soil of France, 

Ten hundred thousand strong; 
Are the boys in drab of the U. S. A., 

Eager to right a wrong. 
A wrong committed in '71 

By the Huns, in a hellish aim, 
To rule the world with a rod of iron 

And hold Alsace-Lorraine. 

On a battlefield made famous 

Along the French frontier, 
Our army now is waiting 

With confidence and cheer, 
For the signal from the leaders 

To charge the heartless Hun, 
And drive him back with losses. 

Like the brave French at Verdun. 

Along the road to Beaumont, 

Rambuecourt and Buconville, 
The Americans are waiting, 

Although the night is still. 
Many troops are in support, 

To reinforce the front. 
While the boys "in" further up 

Are ready to bear the brunt. 

In camouflaged positions 

Along the famous road. 
Machine guns wait impatiently. 

Deadly missiles to unload. 
Back of the road to Rambuecourt, 

Where the Germans cannot see, 
Manned by accurate gunners, 

Is the field artillery. 

Big guns are in the timber. 

On the enemy they will train; 



APPENDIX 243 

They'll blow Mont Sec to "Kingdom Come," 

Then we'll march into Lorraine 
The aeroplanes will aid us 

When the proper time arrives 
No cowards are in the service; 

All will gladly risk their lives. 

Thus the stage is set, boys. 

For the battle grim and great, 
The Americans will be tested. 

And much we have at stake. 
It is the calm before the storm, 

The time is coming soon. 
When fire will flash from every crest. 

And we'll hear the cannon boom. 

SERGEANT JESSE R. HINMAN, Co. B. 

A LINESMAN'S SOLILOQUY 

As I sit on my bunk in my dugout, 

And it's nearly time to turn in, 
With the rockets a-playing without. 

And the shrapnel's occasional "ping." 

My thoughts wander back to the family. 
And out home on the side of Park Road; 

And I wonder what they are doing, 
While I'm in this "classy" abode. 

Perhaps they're seated at dinner, 

With tablecloth, napkins and things. 

And don't have to worry about "seconds," 
With a maid to come when they ring. 

Or 'round the fire in the evening. 

With pap in his big easy chair. 
And mother seated just near him. 

Oh — if I could be there. 

But that is not for the present. 

For the reason we're in France, 
As to breaking up family circles. 

The Hun has an excellent chance, 

CORPORAL SPURR, Co. D. 



244 APPENDIX 

AN ODE TO THE DUGOUT 

A dugout on the front, boys, 
You know the kind I mean, 

So cozy and so snug like. 
Many of them you've seea. 

Where you tumble in your blankets 

To snatch a little sleep; 
Far from the whistling "whiz bangs," 

Down in the ground so deep. 

In this cozy little dugout, 
Quite likely you will find 

Some old time acquaintances. 
The healthiest of their kind. 

The guests are there before you, 

And have made themselves at home; 

And will keep you company 
For fear you're left alone. 

There is Mr. Rat and family. 
And the children ever bright, 

Who sleep in the daytime, 
And keep you up all night. 

They spring across your pillow. 
Play football on your chest, 

Grab each corner of your blanket. 
For baseball it is the best. 

They pull your nose and pinch your ears 

To see if you're awake ; 
And if you are not careful, 

Your rifle they will take. 

One day we got a pussy cat. 

In our dugout to stay. 
To take the place of a mascot 

And keep the rats away. 



APPENDIX 245 

It was a great event in Ratdom, 

The night was a merry one; 
Poor Pussy was served at a banquet, 

Plates were spread for twenty-one. 

When in the middle of your slumbers, 

The cry of "Gas" you hear; 
You grab for the trusty gas mask. 

Which you always keep so near. 

Sometimes you are awakened 

By the sound of shot and shell, 
Then we know the "Square Heads" 

Have turned loose a little Hell. 

But when the "Yanks" retaliate. 

And you hear our guns crash, 
The enemy ceases firing, 

And for their dugouts dash. 

In our dugouts there are others. 

Little pets, we always find; 
They are known as "cooties," 

And to us they are very kind. 

Listening posts they have established 

At the foot of every bed, 
With battalion drill each evening 

From your feet up to your head. 

But it's all for the old Flag, boys; 

We're in this thing to win; 
We'll never cease our efforts 

Until we're in Berlin. 

SERGEANT JESSE R. HINMAN, Co. B. 



246 APPENDIX 

TO YOU 

(Written for Christmas' souvenir card, December 25, 1918.) 

Beyond the wave-washed shores of France, 

Beyond the ocean's westmost tide. 
Beyond the pale-blue horizon, 

Are those we cherish, love, and pride. 
And as our eyes see evening's sun. 

Across the dark, unfathomed blue. 
Our thoughts are with the ones at home — 

Our hearts send out our love to you. 

While snows of angry winter fall. 

And sheen the hills of Prance in white, 
While cold the winds blow overhead. 

The murkey day fades into night. 
Yet vistas bright of other years 

Bring back the long-passed joys a-new, 
And as come dreams of days that were — 

Our hearts send out our love to you. 

For those who face the mighty guns. 

For those of us who stay behind. 
For those who, fever-racked, will lie 

On beds of pain, with troubled mind; 
For those who've done their earthly bit. 

Who sleep beneath the morning's dew; 
For those that are and those that were — 

Our hearts send out our love to you. 

While ring the bells of Christmas-tide 

Throughout the land where Christ is King, 
The phrase resound: "Peace Unto Men!" 

For peace, the sword of war will bring. 
Our souls are rife with victory's hope, 

Soon shall we cross again the blue. 
And 'til that day of days shall come — 

Our hearts send out our love to you*. 

SERGEANT LAURENCE LOCKNEY, Co. C. 



APPENDIX 247 

THE RANGERS 

The Army fought its wars of old, 

Without an F. and S. 
Intelligence pertained to scouts, 

And guns were hit by guess. 

But Uncle Sam keeps up to date. 

And seldom skips a trick. 
He figured that some engineers 

Could work without a pick. 

The Second Battalion, 29th, 

(Now in the Seventy-fourth), 
Took up the work of Flash and Sound, 

So feared by Ludendorf. 

To map the Boche was their design. 

To ferret out his guns — 
With rifles handy while they worked, 

And masks to save the lungs. 

For they've held posts in the trenches, 

And even in No Man's Land. 
It's well for them the tide of war 

Was toward the Vaterland. 

Balloons and planes could spot by day, 

And sometimes saw the "core"; 
But Flash and Sound would carry on 

From "0" to "24." 

On every hour of twenty-four, 

And each day of the month. 
Their observers would be working 

Along the battle front. 

It was no passing risk they took; 

They never got repose; 
And all that kept their losses down 

Was luck, the Army knows. 



248 APPENDIX 

They plodded steadily along, 

And won a few citations. 
They put, not towns, upon the map, 

But German gun locations. 

The posts were fathered by central, 

But had their "S. O. S." 
Service of Salvage they called it, 

Aside from wireless. 

The Boche can make good pan-cake flour, 

His jam is of the best, 
And much canned milk was left behind, 

To grace the Ranger's mess. 

The Sound men used to josh the Flash, 
The Flash would kid the Sound; 

And often crude, or quaint remarks 
Bantered their way around. 

We're fast, you're slow, declared the Flash; 

Let's call it first and second; 
Four-flush and science, countered Sound, 

Wait till results are reckoned. 

They kept the gaff unto themselves. 

Nor split the hairs too fine; 
For they've shared O. P.'s together; 

They've hit the same mess line. 

Our Section is the best of all. 

Was each man's open boast; 
But he'd agree both Flash and Sound 

Helped rout the German host. 

When history tells the war's great deeds, 

She'll make a slight digression 
To teach the world that Flash and Sound 
Was more than an expression. 
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS HOWARD F. COLT, Co. D. 



APPENDIX 249 

THE LINESMAN'S RIFLE 

"Your best friend is your rifle boys," 

Is what you've oft' been told; 
"Just keep it near you always, lad," 

Is a story now grown old. 
There is a time when this is true. 

When of Germans there are signs, 
But you wish the thing in Halifax, 

When you're on the Hartley line. 

In barbed wire it is a nuisance, 

In the trenches it is hell. 
And you have a damned good notion 

To leave it where it fell. 
It catches in the wires. 

When you try to climb between, 
And causes me more trouble 

Than all the Boche I've seen. 

SERGEANT JESSE R. HINMAN, Co. B. 



250 APPENDIX 



TO FRANCE WITH PERSHING 
By Lieutenant Thomas W. Smith 

(Lieutenant Smith was formerly a sergeant in the 1st En- 
gineers, and was included in the detachment that sailed on the 
steamship Baltic with General Pershing for France on May 27. 
Sergeant Smith was later transferred to the 29th Engineers. Ser- 
geant C. R. Kietel, of the 29th Engineers, came to France with 
General Pershing on the steamship Baltic.) 

"Report to the adjutant at 1 P. M. today." 
This was the command given me by the first ser- 
geant of Company A, 1st Engineers, on the morning 
of May 22, 1917, and anxiously I awaited the appointed 
hour, for I felt that a movement of great importance 
was being considered, and that, in some way or another, 
I might be given an opportunity to participate in it. 

Since April 6, there had been an atmosphere of 
expectancy at Washington Barracks, for well-founded 
rumors were to the effect that the 1st Division would 
be among the first of American troops to see overseas 
service. 

When I reached the adjutant^s office, I found it 
full of men, perhaps 50 in all, representing the dif- 
ferent companies in the regiment. Each one was put 
through a rigid examination by Captain Ernest Graves 
relative to their educational qualification and army 
record, until he selected ten men. The others he 
dismissed. 

Then, addressing us, he stated that he had chosen 
us because he believed he had selected sober, industrious 
men. 

'*You are going on a long journey," said he. "I 



APPENDIX 251 

cannot tell you where, but you must not reveal this 
information. You may never return." 

While the last assertion was anything but encour- 
aging, we were, of course, elated upon being selected 
to go to France with the General, as we were sure the 
battle field of Europe was our ultimate destination. 

We were ordered to be ready the same night, but 
did not get away until Sunday morning. May 27, leav- 
ing from the Union Station. 

We arrived at Governor's Island in the evening. 
At noon we boarded the river boat and steamed down 
the bay and waited for the White Star Liner, Baltic, 
boarding her at 5:30 P. M. By this time the entire 
party (the United States Expeditionary Force) was on 
board. It included General Pershing and about 10 
officers, 67 enlisted men and about 50 civilian clerks. 

The good ship Baltic was ten days in making the 
trip across the Atlantic to Liverpool. The weather 
was fine, with a comparatively smooth sea. We were 
convoyed by three American torpedo boats the last 
three days of the voyage. We also had two British 
destroyers, but they stayed but a few hours, for they 
left us to aid three freight boats which had been at- 
tacked by three submarines and sunk. It is believed 
that these submarines were laying in wait for the 
Baltic and missed us or could not attack owing to the 
convoy. 

When the Baltic reached the danger zone off the 
Irish Coast, she took a zig-zag course, in order to avoid 
the numerous submarines. However, this was cus- 
tomary at all times during the war with boats while in 
the danger zone. 

Some amusing incidents occurred when it was de- 
cided that the members of the Expeditionary Force 



252 APPENDIX 

should don civilian clothes, loaned by the field clerks 
and passengers aboard. This was done in order to pre- 
vent the enemy from shelling the life boats. Should 
we be forced to use them, in case the Baltic be struck by 
a torpedo and the Germans detect soldiers in the life 
boats, we knew our chances would be poor. 

Arriving at Liverpool on Friday, June 8, at 10 
o'clock A. M., we were met by an English General 
and staff and a battalion of British infantry and band. 
We were escorted to a train bound for London, arriving 
in that city at 4 P. M. There we were met by General 
French and his staff. The officers were taken to the 
Savoy Hotel and the civilian clerks to the Imperial. 

The enlisted men were enthusiastically received at 
the old and historic Tower of London. There we were 
quartered and entertained by the Honourable Artil- 
lery Corps. 

Our experiences were proving intensely interesting 
and novel in the extreme. As one of the men ex- 
pressed it: 

"To think of an American sleeping, eating and being 
entertained in the Tower of London.*' 

We were enthusiastically received everywhere in 
London. The first night we were guests of the Al- 
hambra Theatre. The following day we took the 
never to be forgotten trip to Windsor, and visited the 
great Windsor Castle and Eton College. Major Gen- 
eral Carey was very courteous and escprted us through 
the castle, accompanied by the mayor of Windsor. That 
evening we were guests of the Empire Theatre. 

The following day, Sunday, we were taken to Rich- 
mond by train and at this point we took a special boat 
up the famous Thames River, going almost to Windsor. 
We were all impressed with the ride, which took us 



APPENDIX 253 

along the rich, green fields and meadows on either side. 
Thousands of persons were out in boats taking ad- 
vantage of the beautiful weather. We stopped at 
Hampton Court and the interesting things we saw there 
will never be forgotten. 

Returning down the river we found the banks 
crowded with people, waiting for the ''Yankees" to ap- 
pear. It was the most enthusiastic demonstration we 
had seen. The cheering was deafening and the salut- 
ing continued during the remainder of the trip. It 
made one proud to feel that he was an American. 

Monday morning we saw the things of interest in 
the Tower. The ''Chopping Block," "Bloody Tower," 
the "Traitors' Gate," and many other things of equal 
interest. During the afternoon we toured the city in 
large busses. We visited Westminster Abbey, Leicester 
Square, Piccadilly Circus, etc. In the evening we were 
guests at the Strand Theatre. Not content with what 
they had done for us, the Honourable Artillery Corps 
of the Tower gave us a great reception on the evening 
of June 12. This was the final and crowning event of 
our stay in London. The H. A. C. presented each of us 
with a set of cuff links, made of H. A. C. honor but- 
tons. These buttons are given only to those who have 
proven honorable and worthy soldiers. 

Wednesday morning, June 13, we left London for 
Folkestone, where we took a fast channel boat for 
Boulogne. Here we were greeted by a large division, 
including many officers. The greeting and saluting 
seemed even more sincere than that which we had re- 
ceived in England. We immediately took a special 
train for Paris, arriving in the French capital at 
4:30 P. M. 

It is impossible to describe the scenes in Paris upon 



254 APPENDIX 

our arrival that afternoon and the reception that Gen- 
eral Pershing and those who accompanied him received, 
and do justice to the enthusiastic French. Thousands 
jammed the streets from the depot to the barracks. 
The people were delirious with joy. It was the most 
excitement I ever witnessed and never expect to see 
it equalled. The automobiles could hardly make their 
way through the excited throng. The mademoiselles 
would climb on the side of the cars and embrace and 
kiss us, while the men almost pulled our arms from our 
shoulders in attempting to shake our hands, mean- 
while cheering at the top of their voices, proclaiming 
"Viva la Amerique" (Long live America). One pretty 
little girl climbed into the car and, nestling in my lap, 
she hugged and kissed me. 'To protect you from the 
mob," she said in good English. At the barracks we 
had a sumptuous dinner, after which we went to bed. 
We were soldiering in France. 



APPENDIX 255 



NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE FIRST 
BATTALION, 74TH ENGINEERS 

MAJOR 
Lyman, Theodore, Heath St., Brookline, Mass. 

CAPTAINS 

Druce, Thomas W. 

FYench, Norman R., Fort Fairfield, Maine. 

Messer, Thomas H. 

Ross, Blair A., Novelty, Missouri. 

Whitney, Erie F., Portland, Oregon. 

Wright, Jefferson D., Commerce, Georgia. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS 

Anderson, William P., 2383 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Beckett, Garner A., 434 West 120th St., New York, N. Y. 

Blundon, Montague, 

Chandler, Charles H., Harrisburg, Virginia. 

Church, Sanford E., 11209 Lake Ave., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Clark, Harry N., Fairfax, Virginia. 

Coles, Levi D., 1744 North 16th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Conover, Reeve, 390 51st St., Oakland, California. 

Curtis, Horace J., Williamsfield, Illinois. 

Dow, Leonard M., 416 Seventh St., Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Fecht, Arthur J., 948 Orville Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. 

Gallagher, William H., Santa Barbara, California. 

Heulings, Lloyd, Moorestown, Burlington, County, New Jersey. 

Hibben, Samuel G., .5599 Baum Boulevard, Pitts'burgh, Pennsylvania. 

Holmes, Clarence F., 2307 South Grand Boulevard, Spokane, Wash. 

Houston, Fred K., 160 East Third St., Beaver, Pennsylvania. 

Kelly, Joyce R., 1051 Gladstone Ave., Portland, Oregon. 

Kuhns, Austin, Middletown, Connecticut. 

McLanahan, John D., 30 Vandeventer Ave., Princeton, New Jersey. 

Mitten, George R., Goodland, Indiana. 

Monk, Percy S., Sleansville, New York. 

Morrow, Samuel R., 843 Howard St., Carthage, Missouri, 

Newkirk, Arthur D., 415 East Third St., Jacksonville, Florida. 

Perry, William G., 140 James St., Greenville, South Carolina. 

Roberts, Walter Van B., Titusville, Pennsylvania. 

Simons, Edmond G., Eutawville, South Carolina. 

Stark, Merle R., 2428 Bellefountain St., Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Stallman, George P., 388 Monroe Ave., Rochester, New York. 

Stewart, John Q., 1404 North Second St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Sturgis, Robert L., 547 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois. 

Suvergrop, Lew. 

Twynham, Frank J., 908 East Rio Grande St., El Paso, Texas. 

Van Vechten, Lawrence. 

Van Zant, Albert. 

Wallower, Herbert H., 2101 North Front St., Harrisburg, Pa. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS 

Amery, George H., Victoria, Texas. 

Barrow, George M., 1407 Finance St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
Blix, Einer T., 1003 9th Ave., S., Fargo, North Dakota. 
Boone, Clarence C, 813 Adams Ave., Chehalis. Washington. 
Braun, Chester S., 80 Hawthorne Ave., East Orange, New Jersey. 
Brooks', Fernley T., 260 S. 44th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Brown, William R., 845 Illinois St., Lawrence, Kansas. 
Brownell, Ambrose, Milwaukie, Oregon. 



256 APPENDIX 

Bushfield, William G., 1216 N. 14th St., Boise Idaho. 

Campbell, Walter J., 278 Remsen St., Cohoes, New York. 

Clevenger, Thomas R., Winchester, Indiana. 

Crandall, Hector, 604 Tennyson Ave., Palo Alto, California. 

Crandall, J. Stewart, 46 Sprague St., Maiden, Massachusetts. 

David, Joseph, 54 Terrace St., Muskegon, Michigan. 

Driver, Herschel L., 720 E. Burnside St., Portland, Oregon. 

Drummond, Paul A., 2003 Farmers Bank Bldg., Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 

Drummond, Scott E., Fargo, North Dakota. 

Hampton, George, Nevada City, California, 

Hubbard, Bela, Woods Hole, Massachusetts. 

Kemman, Hugo A., Lowden, Iowa. 

Kemper, Darwin R., Hamilton Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri. 

Kittleman, Samuel W., 151 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Koester, Fred A., 425 Elwood Ave., Oakland, California. 

Leue, Conrad F., 416 Evans Bldg., Washington, D. C. 

Luscombe, Carl B., 407 W. D St., Joplin, Missouri. 

May, Louis A., 1313 Sumter St., Columbia, South Carolina. 

ObGrlG£is Cli©st©r S. 

Pate, Maurice, 2053 Clermont St., Denver, Colorado. 

Patterson, Walter H., Lime Rock, Connecticut. 

Perkins, Rupert G., 138 Prospect St., Berlin, New Hampshire. 

Powell, Arthur E., Ill W 5th St., Ottawa, Kansas. 

Roberts, Walter E., 575 Mulberry St., Portland, Oregon. 

Sessions, Herbert F., 1005 Kelly St., Portland, Oregon. 

Smith, Frederick E., Bucks Hill, Waterbury, Connecticut. 

Smith, Merril J., Carsadaga, New York, 

Smith, Thomas W., Ill W. 25th St., Wilmington, Delaware. 

Smyth, Janes J., Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

Sully, Kenneth M., Santa Rita, New Mexico. 

Thompson, Chester A., 158 Dana Ave., Albany, New York. 

Woodring, Wendell P., Talmadge, Lancester County, Pennsylvania. 

Wylie, Murray P., 709 Mystic Ave., Canon City, Colorado. 

ROSTER OF FIRST BATTALION, 74TH ENGINEERS, 
DECEMBER 17, 1918 

Adames, Frederic A., Co, B, 473 Main St., Orange, N. J. 

Adams, Lorin G., Co. C, Easton, Me. 

Adams, August, Co. D, 312 1st St., Peoria, 111. 

Africa, James, Co. D, 114 2nd St., Huntington, Pa. 

Aiello, Thomas M., Co. D, Johnsburg, Pa. „ „ ,, ^ , ^,^ tt* i. 

Aldrich, Benjamin F.. Co. B, 53 W. 4th St., S., Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Alexander, James, Co. D, 8242 Franklin Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Allen, William R., Co. C, Folkston, Ga, 

Allen, Leslie T., Co. A, 10th and Madison Sts., Covington, Ky. 

Allman, Jack S., Co. C, Fairbanks, Alaska. 

Alsing, Alvin A., Co. B, 706 Buena Vista Ave., Alameda, Cal. 

Altfillisch, Charles, Co. E, De Smet, S. D. 

Amadon, Arthur F., Co. E, Bennington, Vt. 

Ames, George R., Co. D, 4037 40th Ave., W., Seattle, Wash. 

Ames, Edgar D., Co. D, 111 N. Gilmore St., Baltimore, Md. 

Ames, George M., Co. E, Mecca, Cal. 

Anderson, Henry W., Co. A, 2423 28th Ave., S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Anderson, Fred T., Co. B, Crockston, Minn. , _^ , ^ ^ ^ 

Anderson, William J., Co. C, 1320 Howard St., N. W., Washington, D. C. 

Anderson, Paul R., Co. C, 1075 Burr St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Anderson, George H., Co. E, Bennet, Wis. 

Anderson, Gunnar, Co. E, 326 E. 159th St., New York, N. T. 

Anderson, Lawrence B., Co. E, 47 Fredrick St., Portland, Me. 

Andrews, Robert M., Co. D, 1606 State St., Harrisburg, Pa. 

Angell, Guy B., Co. B, N. Scituate, R. L 

Angstadt, Ralph S., Co. C, Y. M. C. A. Bldg., Allentown, Pa. 

Anthony, Roland E., Co. D, 526 Market St., Camden, N. J. 



APPENDIX 257 

Arendall, Elbert L., Co. B, Steele, Mo. 

Armitage, Thomas J., Co. C, Wellesley, Mass. 

Armstrong, Ernest R., Co. C, 351 Bates Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 

Ash, John H., Co. B, R. R. No. 3, Piqua, Ohio. 

Atchison, Edward M., Co. B, 2502 Asby Ave., Berkeley, Cal. 

Austin, George L., Co. A, Bellefonte, Pa. 

Ayers, Leonard F., Co. C, 103 Arsenal St., Watertown, N. Y. 

Bachman, Stanley A., Co. D, 1122 Wheatland Ave., Lancaster, Pa. 

Backherms, Louis E., Co. E, 1026 W. Liberty St., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Badger, Chester, Co. D, 905 LaFayette St., Bridgeport, Conn. 

Baer, Harry B., Co. B, Menges Mills, Pa. 

Bagley, Floyd A., Co. C, Yarmouthville, Me. 

j3aglin, Fred, Co. B, 122 Eastbourne Road, Darlington, Durham, Eng. 

Baker, Robert R., Co. A, 77 Chestnut S€., Rutherford, N. J. 

Baker, Perly A., Co. A, Caddia, Colo. 

Baker, William H., Co. B, Deans, N. J. 

Balch, Thomas E., Co. A, Oakland, Cal. 

Baldwin, Angelo L., Co. A, 821 17th St., San Diego, Cal. 

Baldwin, John C, Co. B, Garden City, Long Island. 

Bendemer, William E., Co. C, 806 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw, Mich. 

Bardwell, Vernon L., Co. B, 17 Holyoke, Belchertown, Mass. 

Barnard, George M., Co. B, 545 Harrison Ave., Clifton Heights, Pa. 

Barnard, Harvey A., Co. A, Alta, Iowa. 

Barnett, Bryan W., Co. C, Jewell Ridge, Va. 

Barney, Willis H., Co. D, 517 Messena. Syracuse, N. Y. 

Barracto, Vincenzo, Co. C, 660 Balto. St., Baltimore, Md. 

Barrick, Ralph E., Co. B, Cornwallis, Ore. 

Barry, Floyd H., Co. D, 323 E. Main St., Battle Creek, Mich. 

Barry, Jack, Co. C, 335 Irene St., Cripple Creek, Colo. 

Baas, Edgar M., Co. C, 1010 Linton St., Johnstown, Pa. 

Eastian, Leonard, Co. D, Chance, S. D. 

Beaver, Edgar E., Co. B, 1010 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Beck, Tina W., Co. C, Buhl, Idaho. 

Beebe, Clifford, Co. D, 119 N. Main St., Manchester, Conn. 

Beebe, Richard J., Co. A, White Oaks Road, Williamstown, Mass. 

Bpebe, Gerald T., Co. D, 410 Meldrum Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Beech, Charles L., Co. A, 239 Main St., Stockton, Cal. 

Bell, Henry S., Co. C, 2707 W. Houston St., San Antonio, Texas. 

Bell, Frank V., Co. C, 38 Maple St., St. Catherines, Ont. 

Bell, Frank L., Co. D, Lakeside, Mich. 

Bender, George P., Co. D, 654 Hatch Ave., Woodhaven, L. I., N. Y. 

Bender, John L., Co. D, 574 W. 176th St., New York, N. Y. 

Benedetti, P.aris, Co. E, Lovelocks, Nevada. 

Bengel, Arthur M., Co. C, 2608 Altmont Blvd., Spokane, Wash. 

Benjamin, Clifford B., Co. E, 384 N. Walnut St., East Orange, N. J. 

Bennett, Sidney H., Co. E, 2911 Market St., Wilmington, Del. 

Bently, Gilbert E., Co. A, Corydon, Pa. 

Benton, Carroll R., Co. B, 356 Belmont St., Manchester, N. H. 

Bentzen, Aage C, Co. C, 453 8th Ave., Troy N. Y. 

Berg, Herbert B., Co. C, 501 34th Ave S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Berkenblit, Morris, Co. D, 874 Longwood Ave., Bronx, N. Y. 

Berry, James C, Co. C, 2629 B St., Selma, Cal. 

Berry, Fern, Co. A, 1008 S. Helen St., Sioux City, Iowa. 

Betancourt, Manuel, Co. E, 337 E. 137th St., New York, N. Y. 

Biddle, Roy W. G., Co. B, 2132 Wilson Ave., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Billings, Lavon, Co. A, Duchesne, Utah. 

Bjeike, Olaf E., Co. D, Jamestown, N. D. 

Blackwood, Gilbert A., Co. B, Columbus, Ind. 

Bland, Thomas G., Co. D, New Castle, Ind. 

Blissett, Leroy F., Co. A, R. F. D. No. 1, Rapid City, Kalkoska, Mich. 

Blitch, Owen M., Co. D, 1502 N. Baylen, Pensacola, Ala. 

Blomberg, Charles H., Co. A, 488 Classon Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Bogart, John, Co. C, 553 58th St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Bolin, William A., Co. C, 17 New St., Pittston, Pa. 

Bolingbroke, George H., Co. A, 305 9th St., Jersey City, N. J. 

Bonora, Joseph, Co. C, 765 41st St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 



258 APPENDIX 

Born, George E., Co. E, 516 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Bosh, Joseph H., Co. A, 224 Cairon St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Boss, Samuel, Co. B, 702 East St., Harrisburg, Pa. 

Boswell, Glenn C, Co. A, 331 Micheltorena St., Santa Barbara, Cal. 

Boznu, Albert H., Co. E, 419 W. Superior St., Duluth, Minn. 

Bradshaw, Richard E., Co. B, Box 376, Portland, Ore. 

Bradshaw, Donald, Co. C, Amadar, Cal. 

Braithwaite, Willis E., Co. A, West Jefferson, Ohio. 

Bray, Samuel E., Co. B, Junville, Tenn. 

Brecht, Herbert H., Co. B, 409 E. Boulevard, Charlotte, N. C. 

Brennan, Edward A., Co. D, 181 12th Ave., Long Island City, N. Y. 

Breshears, Arnold J., Co. B, 1004 Albany St., Caldwell, Idaho. 

Breshears, Howard R., Co. B, 1004 Albany St., Caldwell, Idaho. 

Brett, James E., Co. E, 609 Jefferson St., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Bridges, Richard J., Co. B, 890 Lookout Drive, Los Angeles, Cal. 

Briggs, William H., Co. A, N. Morning St., Delphas, Ohio. 

Britt, Lloyd J., Co. C, Jamestown, N. D. 

Brizendine, Charles, Co. D, 915 1st Ave., Roanoke, Val. 

Brislawn, Ferdinand L., Co. D, Sprague, Washington. 

Brosky, Sylvester, Co. E, 1534 S. Newkirk St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Brown, Henry G., Co. E, 416 Hermit St. Rex., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Brown, Eyler, Co. B, 1390 Emerald St., Eugene, Ore. 

Brown, Joseph J., Co. C, 1443 North Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. 

Brown, Andrew J., Co. C, Alabama Ave., Box 12, Washington, D. C. 

Brown, Lercy W., Co. E, 118 S. Uhrich St., Uhrichsville, Ohio. 

Brown, Henry J., Co. D, 3516 "G" St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Brown, Harry M., Co. D, 92 Wadsworth Ave., New York, N. Y. 

Brownson, Murray A., Co. D, Flint, Mich. 

Brucker, Gilbert, Co. E, 75 Trowbridge Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Brune, Carleton F., Co. D. 511 Morgan St., Union Hill, N. J. 

Brunswick, Ralph L., Co. B, Detroit, Mich. 

Buchanan, Ira L., Co. D, Yardley, Wash. 

Buckingham, Donald C, 3910 14th Ave., N. E., Seattle, Wash. 

Bullard, Walter E., Co. D, 15 Berwyn St., Chester, Pa. 

Bullock, Harvey R., Co. E, Oxford, N. C. 

Burleson, Rufus C, Co. C, 1529 Basque Blk., Waco, Texas. 

Burns, Robert O., Co. D, 215 Arnold St., New Bedford, Mass. 

Burrall, Harrison D., Co. C, 412 High St., Albuquerque, N. M. 

Burrough, Harry F., Co. A, 80 Grand Ave., Rockville Center, N. Y. 

Butler, Alfred M., Co. C, 3325 Granada Ave., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Butler, Horace L., Co. C, Liberty ville. 111. 

Buxton, Carroll L., Co. D, Gaithersburg, Md. 

Bycroft, Robert W., Co. A, 219 Main St., East Palestine, Ohio. 

Cadle, Fetzer H., Co. B, Williamsburg, Pa., or Baker, Mont. 

Caille, Joe, Co. D, Emporia, Va. 

Cain, David, Co. E, Kascuisbe, Miss. 

Cain, Ernest, Co. A, 11 W. South St., Washington, Ind. 

Calkins, Henry W., Co. D, State St., Hinsdale Cattaranges, N. Y. 

Callahan, Russell H., Co. D, 494 Grove St., Worcester, Mass. 

Calocoff, Sam, Co. D, 1561 E. 33rd St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Campbell, Donald N., Co. B, 6827 55th Ave., S. E., Portland, Ore. 

Campbell, Ralph C, Co. C, 60 Sherburne Ave., Portsmouth, N. H. 

Campbell, Raymond F., Co. E, 613 Caldwell Ave., Portage, Pa. 

Capasse, Martin J., Co. C, P. O. Box 162, Langatock, Conn. 

Cardwell, Thomas L., Co. B, 512 E. Line St., Lakeland, Fla. 

Carlson, John E., Co. B, 2314 Lincoln Park West, Chicago, 111. 

Carlson, John M., Co. D, R. F. D. No. 2, Fairfield, Conn. 

Carney, George C, Co. D, Frederick, Wis. 

Carpenter, Burt J., Co. D, 357 Liberty St., Ashland, Ore. 

Carr, Marton L., Co. B, 1714 S. Johnson St., Keokuk, Iowa. 

Castruccio, Constantine, Co. D, 605 W. 181st St., New York, N. Y. 

Cavanaugh, Cyril J., Co. B, 105 S. Grant St., Wilkes Barre, Pa. 

Cerceo, Attilio V., Co. A, 110 E St., Washington, D. C. 

Chambers, Allen B., Co. C, 507 Corbett Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

Chamberlain, Ellsi D., Co. C, Milford, Del. 

Chance, Jenner D., Co. B, 719 7th St., Minneapolis, Minn. 



APPENDIX 259 

Chandler, Frank O., Co. A, 164 Maple St., Lyon, Mass, 

Chapman, Thomas S., Co. E, 517 S. Boyle St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Choate, Jay, Co. D and E, Enna, 111. 

Chonko, Joseph E., Co. B, 417 S. 3rd St., Duquesne, Pa. 

Christensen, Anders, Co. C, Kennewick, Wash. 

Christensen, Ernst C., Co. C, Frederickshaven, Denmark. 

Christiansen, Milton, Co. A, Cupertino, Santa Clara Co., Cal. 

Clark, Curt G., Co. A, Flemington, Pa. 

Clark, Edwin C, Co. E, 406 S. Nickel St., Doning, N. M. 

Clark, Orville D, 422 Cherry St., Findlay, Ohio. 

Clarke, McRay, Co. E, Scott City, Kan. 

Clayton, Raymond H., Co. B, Plainville, Conn. 

Clemens, John C, Co. C, Jamestown, N. D. 

Cleveland, Benjamin R., Co. A, Gilmore, Mo. 

Cline, Clarence W., Co. A, 121 E. 34th St., Indianapolis, Ind. 

Cobb, Stanley, Co. B, 516 W. Seneca St., Ithaca, N. Y. 

Coburn, James, Co. B, 91 S. Wabasha St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Colby, Charles C, Co. D, 918 Cherry St., Erie, Pa. 

Colclesser, Richard Y., Co. C, Milton Apts., Altoona, Pa. 

Cole,, Harry E., Co. B, Bloomsburg, Pa. 

Cole, Lawrence G., Co. D, Walpole, N. H. 

Coleman, Thomas C, Co. C, 29 Chandler St., Sommerville, Mass. 

Coles, William C, Co. B, Wheeling, W. Va. 

Colley, Hunter H., Co. B, Jonesborough, Tenn. 

Collins, William J., Co. C, R. F. D. No. 2, Milton, Pa. 

Colt, Howard F., Co. D, 123 W. 80th St., New York, N. Y. 

Comerford, James F., Co. B, R. R. No. 21, Bunkerhill, Ind. 

Cook, Orlan P., Co. B, Clear Lake, S. D. 

Cook, Wesley M., Co. C, 3128 43rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Cooper, James H., Co. C, 18 Fine St., Roxbury, Mass. 

Copeland, George M., Co. E, R. F. D. No. 10, Madis'on, Ind. 

Costabile, Charles A., Co. E, 1027 Ave. L, Galveston, Texas. 

Cottingham, Ralph R., Co. C, P. O. Box 9, Fremont, III. 

Cotton, Joe E., Co. C, 1663 High St., Denver, Colo. 

Cottrell, Eugene J., Co. A, 49 Seranac Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. 

Cottrell, Shirley G., Co. B, Elderon, Wis. 

Coughlin, John G., Co. C, 56 Larchmont St., Dorchester, Mass. 

Cox, Arthur F., Co. E, 2531 W. Adams St., Chicago, 111. 

Cox, Floyd R., Co. B, Louisville, Nebr. 

Cox, Lyle M., Co. B, Union, Iowa. 

Coyne, Walter J., Co. D, 712 Jeanette St., Parkerburg, W. Va. 

Crabtree, Lonnie M., Co. A, R. F. D. No. 1, Benhams, Vt. 

Crall, Henry C, Co. B, Los Gatos, Cal. 

Crane, Willed S., Co. E, 208 13th St., N. E., Washington, D. C. 

Crawford, James S., Co. D, Box 104, Oakdale, Pa. 

Crocker, Lauchlan M., Co. Hdq., Marstons Mills, Mass. 

Crotty, James A., Co. D, 17 E. Water St., Lewistown, Pa. 

Crowley, Marwood H., Co E, 1233 Oread Ave., Lawrence, Kans. 

Crummack, Oswald, Co. C, 305 E. Robie St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Cullison, William F., Co. B, 424 Zara St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Cunningham, George M., Co. D, 2536 College Ave., Berkeley, Cal. 

Cunningham, Leonard B., Co. D, Reno, Nevada. 

Cunningham, Thomas, Co. B, 416 2nd St., Peoria, 111. 

Curtis, Earl E., Co. D, 1908 Yale Ave., Knoxville, Tenn. 

Dalgreen, John C, Co. A, 2819 Price Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Dahlgren, Edwin F., Co. D, 1210 N. P. Ry. Bldg., St. Paul, Minn. 

Dahnke, John F., Co. A, Middletown, Wis. 

Dalzell, Clarence J. Co. D, Sterling, Pa. 

Darb, Richard C, Co. A, Chaffer, Mo. 

Davidson, Robert M., Co. E, Miama Beach, Fla. / 

Davidson, William L., Co. C, Spangler, Pa. 

Davis, Kirke E., Co. O, 75 Maple St., Potsdam, N. Y. 

Davis, Ray N., Co. B, Buhl, Mont. 

Davis, Clyde M., Co. B, Gardenville, Va. , 

Dawson, John L., Co. E, Glenshaw, Pa. 

Dawson, Asa L., Co. A, Lexington, 111. 



260 APPENDIX 

Dayton, George J., Co. E., 11 Grotto Court, Wateroliet, N. Y. 

Decker, Peter M., Co. B, Naponock, N. Y. 

DeHaven, Frank, Co. B, Helena, Mont. 

DeLage, Frank, Co. A, 1015 S. Hermitage St., Chicago, 111. 

DeLaittre, Donald D., Co. A, 2919 Bryant Ave., N. Minneapolis, Minn. 

DeLong, Guy W., Co. C, 1404 Florencedale Ave., Youngstown, Ohio. 

DeLong, Harry J., Co. B, 545 E. 134th St., New York, N. Y. 

Demos, Constantinos S., Co. E., 52 W. Gay St., Columbus, Ohio. 

DePetro, Joseph, Co. B, Nashwauk, Minn. 

Depue, Harold V., Co. D, 23 Hatfield Place, Port Richmond, N. Y. 

Dickenson, Clyde, Co. D, 517 Brown St., LaFayette, Ind. 

Dickey, Frank R., Co. A, Linesville, Pa. 

Dickson, Donald M., Co. B, Andes, N. Y. 

Dieter, Frederick D., Co. D, 1124 N. 4th St., Catasuqua, Pa. 

Dolce, Guiseppe, Co. D, Providence, R. I. 

Donaldson, David H. E., Co. D, 204 Rochelle Ave., Wissakickon, Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

Donnelly, Harvey P., Co. A, Ft. Shaw, Mont. 

Donovan, Roy A., Co. D, Central City, Nebr. 

Dorr, James- H., Co. A, R. F. D. No. 2, Athens, Ohio. 

Douglass, George L., Co. A, Kimball, Minn. 

Douthitt, Harry, Co. A, 302 Deyo St., Jackson, Mich. 

Dowell, John E., Co. E, Adrian, Mo. 

Dower, Patrick, Co. A, 79 Park Ave., E. Hartford, Conn. 

Downing, Andrew, Co. B, R. R. "E," Box 284, Fresno, Cal. 

Drake, Allen F., Co. B, Whiteman, R. F. D., Mass. 

Draudt, Walter A., Co. D, Mount St. & Central Ave., Columbus, Ohio. 

Droge, William H., Co. D, 63 Christrie, Ridgefield Park, N. J. 

Duby, Ernest, Co. A, 123 E. 120th St., New York, N. Y. 

Duffy, James T., Co. C, R. F. D. No. 2, Shepard, Mich. 

Dumond, Jesse W., Co. B, 17 Elm St., Schenectady, N. Y. 

Dunlop, James W., Co. A, 85 Myrtle Ave., Jersey, N. J. 

Dunlop, William H., Co. E, 507 W. 6th St., Beardstown, 111. 

Durant, Philip S., Co. D, 429 W. Westly St., Wheaton, 111. 

Durkin, Thomas, Co. B, 1646 W. 33rd St., Chicago, 111. 

Easley, Thomas H., Co. B, 7110 Idylwild St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Eaton, Frank, Co. C, 122 N. 17th St., Richmond, Ind. 

Eckfield, George D., Co. B, Mabton, Wash. 

Eckner, Ivan G., Co. D, 206 Ridge Ave., Butler, Pa. 

Edberg, Wendell E., Co. A, Bellingham, Wash. 

Edele, Fred W., Co. E, 3509 Jacob St., Wheeling, W. Va. 

Edwards, Thomas E., Co. A, R. F. D. No. 5, Spencerville, Ohio. 

Egan, Dennis, Co. E, Green Isle, Minn. 

Elder, Albert L. Co. D, Bel Aton, Md. 

Eldridge, Edward B., Co. A, 26 Shakford St., Eastport, Me. 

Elliott, Milton E., Co. A, Box No. 245, Roselyn, Va. 

Emanuelson, Leslie E., Co. A, Rush City, Minn. 

Emshwiller, Owin B., Co. E, 3301 University Ave., N. E., Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

Engholm, Samuel J. Co. B, 1299 A St., Hayuard, Cal. 

Eneix, Wyne H., Co. B, Littletown, W. Va. 

Engleman, Earl W., Co. B, 231 N. Fulton Ave., Baltimore, Md. 

English, Samuel V., Co. E, 712 N. Broadway, Brainerd, Minn. 

English, William P., Co. D, 522 N. Main St., Pittston, Pa. 

Epley, John L., Co. A, R. F. D. No. 3, Marion, N. C. 

Erdman, Harold R., Co. E, Petosky, Mich. 

Erskin, Dessie, Co. D, 1251 N. Main St., Frankfort, Ind. 

Estes, Raymond C, Co. A, Moscow, Idaho. 

Estes, Edgar, Co. D, Moscow, Idaho. 

Ettleman, Benjamin, Co. D, 21 Planet St., Providence, R. I. 

Evans, Rawson H., Co. D, 409 Pennsylvania Ave., Bange, Pa. 

Evans, Freddie J. Co. D, 8408 Frankstown Ave., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Evans, Will L., Co. C, 2 N. Elm St., Warren, Ohio. 

Ewell, John G., Co. B, 3210 Ave. P, Galveston, Texas. 

Fallon, John D., Co. C, 3 W. Searight Ave., Uniontown, Pa. 

Faro, Mike, Co. D, Fargo, N. D. 



APPENDIX 261 

Feller, John E., Co. A, Metuchen, N. J. 

Ferguson, Thomas L.., Co. D, 319 Cumberland St., Harrisburg, Pa. 
Ferguson, Vance H., Co. C, 1221 16th St., Rock Island, 111. 
Finan, Joseph, Co. C, Lopez, Pa. 
Fisher, Gideon P., Co. E, Culver, Ind. 

Fitzgerald, Emmett J., Co. A, 1663 Carroll Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 
Fitzharris, John M., Co. A, West Park, Cuyahaga, Ohio. 
Fitzsimmons, Eugene J., Co. E, 361 11th St., Newark, N. J. 
Fleming, James A. Co. E, 40 Winton St., Pittsburg, Pa. 
Flora, Vernon W., Co. B, Harrisburg, Pa. 
Fobes, Edgar E., Co. B, 99 Main St., Potsdam, N. Y. 
P'oley, William McK., Co. A, Central Point, Ore. 
Foley, Howard J., Co. D, 1351 Fisher Ave., Detroit, Mich. 
Force John D., Co. A, Plainfield, N. J. 

Force, Jonathan, Co. E, Mt. Pleasant Ave., Langston, N. J. 
Ford, Gregory R., Co. C, Room 30, Central Hotel, Portland, Ore. 
Foster, Harry W., Co. D, Midland, Ohio. 
Foster, Percy E., Co. B, 86 Downer Place, Aurora, 111. 
Fox, George L., Co. Hdq., 45 Colton Ave., Newark, N. Y. 
Fox, Blake B., Co. A, Rising Sun, Wood County, Ohio. 
Fox, Jacob U., Co. E, Franklin Furnace, Ohio. 
Francis, Millard J., Co. D, Greenville, S. C. 
Frank, John A., Co. E, Delano, Minn. 
Eraser, John H., Co. B, Parkplace, Ore. 

Frazer, David C, Co. B, 206 E. Dale St., Colorado Springs, Colo. 
Frederiksen, Hans, Co. B, 492 7th Ave., N., Troy, N. Y. 
Freeland, George M., Co. A, 341 Spring St., Cambridge Springs, Pa. 
Freeman, Andrew Y., Co. D, 231 Central Ave., Fredonia, N. Y. 
French, Chris C, Co. D, Dillsboro, Ind. 

French, Howard L., Co. B, 32 VanDyke Place, Detroit, Mich. 
Friend, Alber M., Co. B, Graduate College, Princeton, Pa. 
Fritts, Bernal V., Co. A, 3315 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 
Frost, Alva, Co. D, New Salem, Pa. 
Fryer, Russel M., Co. D, 27 Poplar Ave., Milton, Pa. 
Futcher, Arthur J., Co. D, 1942 N. 21st St., Philadelphia, Pa. 
Gackenbach, Arthur F., Co. A, 1235% Chew St., Allentown, Pa. 
Gaffney, Joseph F., Co. B, 2316 Grand Ave., New York, N. Y. 
Gallagher, Vincent A., Co. C, 48 Lark St., Providence, R. I. 
Gambler, Slocum H., Co. D., Geneva, N. Y. 
Gant, Ora, Co. A, Chester, 111. 
Gardner, Charles H., Co. A, Phillips, Wis. 
Gardner, Hugh E., Co. E, R. R. Nolm, EauClare, Mich. 
Garis, Leo D., Co. E, 1041 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, 111. 
Garrison, William L,, Co. C, Sulton, Nebr. 
Garvey, John J., Co. D, Cambridge, Mass. 
Garvey, Louis W., Co. D, Elk River, Minn. 
Gasparri, Agusto, Co. B, 66 Farmington St., Providence, R. I. 
Geating, William J., Co. D, 1138 Walnut St., Ashland, Pa. 
Gehauf, Herbert H., Co. A, 31 Grant St., Frostburg, Md. 
Geiger, Clarence K., Co. A, 588 Showers St., Harrisburg, Pa. 
Gentile, Domenico, Co. C, 1195 Summit Ave., Jersey City, N. J. 
Genung, Carroll E., Co. E, 945 S. Antonio Ave., Monica, Cal. 
German, Milton L., Co. E, 2304 E. Monument St., Baltimore, Md. 
Gerson, George, Co. D, Tutor Arms Apt, 18th and Couch Sts., Port- 
land, Ore. 
Gest, Henry C, Co. D, Portland, Ind. 

Giboney, David S., Co. B, 210 16th St., N.. Great Falls, Mont. 
Gillies, George, Co. C, West Branch, Mich. 
Gilmartin, Joseph L., Co. D, 1702 Morris St., Philadelphia, Pa. 
Glisson, Clarence, Co. D, R. F. D. No. 3, Laurel, Ind. 
Goerke, Arnold E., Co. A, Watanga, Okla. 
Goldstein, Joseph, Co. D, Dorchester, Mass. 
Goodwin, Earl D., Co. D. 
Gower, William H., Co. B, Stroudsburg, Pa. 
Goyne, Robert E., Co. C, 200 Center St., Ashland, Pa. 
Graham, William S., Co. B, 3027 Windsor Ave., Baltimore, Md. 



262 APPENDIX 

Grahl, Ollie A., Co. D, R, F. D. No. 3, Fountain City, Tenn. 

Grandjean, Charles H., Co. E, Hancock, Minn. 

Grassman, Herbert S., Co. D, 285 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Gray, Duane C, Co. A, 216 Moore St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Gravsle, Charles B., Co. C, Spencerville, Ohio. 

Green, Herbert J., Co. D, 1401 Main St., Niagara Falls, N. Y. 

Gregory, Albert C, Co. D, Sylvia, W. Va. 

Grenier, Linus C, Co. A, 901 Walbridge Ave., Toledo, Ohio. 

Griffin, Elmer E., Co. E, Doniphan, Mo. 

Griffith, Dice W., Co. C, 609 Umatilla Ave., Portland, Ore. 

Griffith, William D. Co. D, 1245 1st St., N. E., Washington, D. C. 

Griffith, William J., Co. D, 3314 37th Ave., S., Seattle, Wash. 

Griley, Horace L., Co. A, 3299 Broadwell St., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Grimley, John P., Co. A, 43 Searing Ave., Harrison, N. Y. 

Groseclose, Ben I., Co. E, 17 So. Park Ave., Helena, Mont. 

Gross, Jerry G., Co. A, Box 436, Corbin, Ky. 

Grout, Fred W., Co. B, Benudji, Minn. 

Guilfoyle, John J., Co. A, 300 Vz W. 52nd St., New York, N. Y. 

Guptill, Rexford B., Co. B, Brookline, Mass. 

Guyer, Jacob, Co. A, 4310 Raible Ave., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Hackett, Joseph P., Co. A, 326 W. 47th St., New York, N. Y. 

Hadley, Kenneth C, Co. B, 324 Somerville Ave., Somerville, Mass. 

Hagstrora, Leonard J., Co. D, 4520 Xerxes Ave., S. Minneapolis, Minn. 

Hagstrom, Gunnar A., Co. B, 606 E. Lawson St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Hague, Reuben E., Jr., Co. A., 27 W. Quartz St., Butte, Mont. 

Hage, Louis, Co. A, 115 Hubbard St., Crookston, Minn. 

Hall, Arnt C, Co. B, 176 3rd St., San Francisco, Cal. 

Halligan, John J., Co. A, 363 Warren St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Hamilton, Harley, Co. B., Manchester, Ohio. 

Hambrock, Robert H., Co. A, 2842 Lafayette St., Ft. Wayne, Ind. 

Handel, Saul, Co. E, 126 13th St., McKeesport, Pa. 

Hansen, Harold, Co. C, 100 Prentice Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Hanaway, William S., Co. D., Delphi, Ind. 

Hanson, Arthur C, Co. C, Hillsboro, N. D. 

Hart, Vincent S., Co. E, 723 Cushman Ave., Tacoma, Wash. 

Harvey, Floyd Z., Co. E, Highspire, Pa. 

Hardy, Earl L., Co. D, 136 Hillside Ave., Santa Fe, N. M. 

Hart, Lee, Co. D, Cottonwood, Idaho. 

Harreschou, Claude H., Co. C, Seaside, Ore. 

Harrington, Dennis D., Co. C, 1532 6th St., N. E., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Harris, Allyn L., Co. C, 511 1st Ave., West Haven. Conn. 

Hart, William C, Co. C, 751 E. Broadway, Stratford, Conn. 

Hartman, Henry B., Co. C, 1548 Arcadia Court, New Orleans, La. 

Harward, Robert H., Co. B, 1207 Vincent St., Brownwood, Texas. 

Harrison, Donald R., Co. A, 1545 Learnard Ave., Lawrence, Kans. 

Harrington, Robert R., Co. A, Cozad, Nebr. 

Harrington, Robert L., Co. A, Fremsburg, N. Y. 

Haugh, Leo M., Co. D, 117 Mead Ave., Meadville, Pa. 

Hawkins, Robert L., Co. E, 1510 S. 14th Ave., Birmingham, Ala. 

Hays, Harry M., Co. D, 359 N. Montgomery St., Spencer, Ind. 

Hay ward, Don M., Co. C, 266 Court St., Kenne, N. H. 

Hazen, George, Co. C, 66 E. Main St., Port Jervis, N. Y. 

Hazen, Thomas R. H., Co. A, 914 8th Ave., New Brighton, Pa. 

Hedeen, Axel A., Co. E, New Richmond, Wis. 

Heilman, Clyde A., Co. C, 5012 Lemon Grove Ave., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Heineman, Joseph, Co. D, 509 Clover St., Akron, Ohio. 

Herlmer, Wilbur F., Co. E, 716 Bear St., Syracuse, N. Y. 

Hensel, Frederick J., Co. E, Grove City, Ohio. 

Hensler, George H., Co. C, 403 Kirk Ave., Carrick, Pa. 

Herald, Charles R., Co. E, 27 Dean St., Everett, Mass. 

Herchenrider, Franklin M., Co. E, 311 Lincoln Ave., Collingdale, Pa. 

Herkness, Gilbert, Co. A, Meadowbrook, Pa. 

Hess, Richard M., Co. C, Curwensville, Pa. 

Hickman, Wilbur E., Co. A, Brownson, Iowa. 

Hilgedick, Ralph V., Co. B, 2191 Knapp St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Hill, Warren G., Co. D, 504 Dock St., Schuykill, Haven, Pa. 



APPENDIX 263 

Hilt, Howard G., Co. B, 412 Welch Ave., Wilmerding, Pa. 

Hinman, Jesse R., Co. B, Astoria, Ore. 

Hinton, Charles W., Co. C, 4217 10th Ave., N. E., Seattle, Wash. 

Hocker, Harry T., Co. B, Rogerville, Cal. 

Hoehl, Leo F., Co. B, 717 N. Post St., Baltimore, Md. 

Hogeland, Edward E., Co. C, Hampton, Iowa. 

Hoist, Anthony, Co. B, 1803 Araphahoe St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Homan, Herman J., Co. D, 4800 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Homan, Waldo G., Co. B, Payette, Idaho. 

Hopkins, Robert W., Co. B, 3512 Lowell St., Cleveland Pk., Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

Horner, Robert E., Co. E, Graceville, Minn. 

Horton, Samuel, Co. E, 551 Laurel St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Hosband, Guy S., Co. B, Fleming, Penn 

Houliston, George M., Co. C, E. Aurora, N. Y. 

Howe, George B., Co. D, 6022 82nd St. S. E., Portland, Ore. 

Hubbard, Harvey, Co. O, Kittaning, Pa. 

Huck, Lloyd, Co. D, 1070 E. 31st St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Hueffmeier, William F., Co. E, 902 Fauquier Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 

Hughes, Charles A., Co. C, 211 E. 188th St., New York, N. Y. 

Hummel, George G., Co. A, 245 Cherry St., Nangatuck, Conn. 

Hunsinger, Harvey M., Co. B, Tank, Pa. 

Hunter, James R., Co. A, R. R. 2, Woolstook, Iowa. 

Hurst, Harry S., Co. D, Kittaning, Pa. 

Huss, Theodore J., Co. D, Shakopee, Minn. 

Hutchinson, James E., Co. E, 2000 Chew St., Allentown, Pa. 

Hutchinson, George C, Co. B, 2216 Bellefield Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 

Hutchison, Lyle E., Co. A, 1814 144th St., N. W., Washington, D. C. 

Hyde, Stanley W., Co. D., 1244 Brooklyn Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Ingram, Forrest W., Co. E, Vermillion, Ind. 

Iverson, Carl, Co. B, Aberdeen, S. D. 

Ives, Clifford G., Co. A, 335 N. Main St., Wallingford, Conn. 

Jacot, Harry L., Jr., Co. D, 93 Stuyvesant Place, New Brighton, L. I. 
N. Y. 

Jaffe, Samuel A., Co. B, 128 E. Chestnut St., Hazelton, Pa. 

James, William L., Co. E, Ocean View, Del. 

James, Adlai P., Co. B, 4430 N. Campbell Ave., Chicago, III. 

Jameson, Claude, Co. D, R. R. 8, Rochester, Ind, 

Jaynes, Thomas J. Co. B, 74 Wickopee St., Beacon, N. Y. 

Jenkins, Clarence E., Co. B, Sykesville, Md. 

Jessup, Levi S., Co. D., Brim, N. C. 

Jackson, Clyde, Co. C, 250 John St., Aurora, Ind. 

Johnson, Albert T., Co. C, Baldwin, Wis. 

Johnson, Chester A., Co. C, 134 W. University St., Owatomna, Minn. 

Johnson, Dudley H., Co. C, 261 N. Bellevue St., Memphis, Tenn. 

Johnson, Irving, Co. B, 504 W. State St.. Columbus, Ohio. 

Johnson, Irving S., Co. A, 246 Brooklyn Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Johnson, Oscar A., Co. B, 4050 Fremont, N. Minneapolis, Minn. 

John.«iton, HalS'tead G., Co. C, Coopers Corner, New Rochelle, N. Y. 

Johnston, Hugh, Co. D, 540 Howard Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Jones, William D., Co. C, 316 W. 19th St., New York, N. Y. 

Jones, Joseph R., Co. C. 440 Cedar St., Jacksonville, Fla. 

Jones, John L., Co. C, 5227 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Jordan, Frank L., Co. A, 2785 18th St., Sacramento, Cal. 

Jordan, Joseph R., Co. B, 3341 2nd Ave., Columbus, Ga. 

Joyce, Robert H., Co. B, 824 N. Ringold St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Ksegi, Henry Co. C, 499 Spring St., West Hoboken, N. J. 

Kane, Joseph A., Co. A, Cambridge, N. Y. 

Kappeller, Joseph, Co. E, Watertown, Minn. 

Kasten, Harry F., Co. E, 619 10th Ave., Milwaukee, Wis. 

Kauffman, Eldsworth R., Co. A, Strausstown, Pa. 

Keenan, James, Jr., Co. B, 3928 N. Marshall St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Keitel, Charles R., Co. B, Kings Park, L. I., N. Y. 

Keith, Douglas L., Co. C, Tracer, Iowa. 

Keller, Ralph W., Co. B, Edwall, Wash. 

Kelly, Aloysius E., Co. E, 1507 Vine St., La Crosse, Wis. 



264 APPENDIX 

Kellev, James P., Co. B, 104 Pleasant St., Dorchester, Mass. 

Kelly", Joseph M., Co. B, 455 William St., Bridgeport, Conn. 

Kelly, Leo F., Co. B, 1489 Arlington Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 

Kendall, Raymond H., Co. B, Sterling, Mass. 

Kennedy, Charles M., Co. B, 1836 Marvin St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Keough, John M., Co. E, 14 Adams St.. Lynn, Mass. 

King, William R., Co. D, Pittsfield, Mass. 

King, Phillip M., Co. A, 242 W. Church St., Dockhave, Pa. 

Kirwin, John F., Co. D, 374 Belleville Ave., New^ark, N. J. 

Knowles, Edward R., Co. C, 229 S. 3rd Ave., Jamestown, N. D. 

Koch, William F., Co. D, 354 12th Ave., Long Island City. N. Y. 

Koezowoski, Stanley A., Co. E, 84 S. 15th St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Koering, Eustachius W., Co. D, Crystal Ave., Vineland, N. J. 

Konen, John J., Co. B, 231 22nd St., Detroit, Mich. 

Kongshej, Christian P., Co. D, 611 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, Iowa. 

Krauskopf, Truman F., Co. D, 715 Mt. Vernon Place, Washington, D. C. 

Kraut, Samuel S., Co. A, 66 Ave. "D," New York, N. Y. 

Krems, Walter F., Co. E, Beardstown, 111. 

Kroguls'ki, Edward J., Co. D. 

Krohn, William J., Co. D, 1734 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Kuhl, Ben F., Co. D, 423 S. Euclid Ave., Dayton, Ohio. 

Kullorstrand, Rudolph M., Co. D, 10726 Church St., Chicago, 111. 

Kuranyske, John, Co. B, 225 Hennie St., Rippon, Wis. 

Kyes, John M., Co. B, Route "A," Box 7, Modesta, Cal. 

Labaree, John R., Co. C, Milford St., West Medway, Mass. 

Lacy, Ilbert O., Co. C, 715 Pearl St., Camden, N. J. 

Ladshaw, Thomas G., Co. C, 142 Pine St., Spartanburg, S. C. 

Lahey, Andrew C, Co. D, Kearney, Nebr. 

Laks, Herman, Co. B, 787 Quincy St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Lampwright, Harold E., Co. A, Algona, Iowa. 

Lancelloti, Luigi, Co. D, 585 16th St., West New York, N. Y. 

Landgren, Harry O., Co. D, 144 Cook St., Waterbury, Conn, 

Lane, Harry A., Co. E, 1002 17th St., Rock Island, 111. 

Lauer, Edward W., Co. C, Alturas Modock Co., Cal. 

Layman, Oliver W., Co. B, 255 University Terrace, Reno, Nev. 

Lesch, George F., Co. B, 513 Liberty St., Rockland, Mas-s. 

Leahy, Robert C, Co. D, 283 Maine, Keene, N. H. 

LeDuke, Leon, Co. E, Kankakee, 111. 

Lessch, Orville, Co. B, 1405 N. Lake Ave., Seattle, Wash. 

Leibow, Samuel, Co. B, 702 E. 176th St., New York, N. Y. 

Leitch, Ernest, Co. A, Natl. Boulevard, Fredericksburg, Va. 

Levine, Samuel, Co. D, 239 Ellston St., Cambrdige, Mass. 

Lewis, Earl L., Co. C, West Elizabeth, Pa. 

Lichtenstein, Harry R.. Co. B, 68 W. 113th St., New York, N. Y. 

Linck. Judson K., Co. C, 986 Vine St., Williamsport, Pa. 

Linehan, James A., Co. D, 68 Morningside Ave., Yonkers, N. Y. 

Ling, Frank T., Co. A, Pine City, Minn. 

Linn Lewis F., Co. D, Benton Ferry, W. Va. 

Litchfield, Rufus E., Co. D, Sneffels, Colo. 

Little, Hubert W., Co. B, McMinnville, Ore. 

Lockney, Laurence, Co. E, Alamogordo, N. M. 

Lockwood, Thomas F., Jr., Co. B, Columbus, Ga. 

Loebbaka, Martin, Co. A, 2030 Prall St., Evanston, III. 

Loftu9, Thomas H., Co. B, 607 Lafayette Ave., S. E., Grand Rapids, 

Mich. 
Lohr, Jacob D., Co. D, Stayestown, Pa. 

Longacre, Myron Y., Co. C, Pleasant Hill, Cass County, Mo. 
Longfellow, Russel H., Co. E., 305 San Jose Ave., San Francisco, Cal. 
Louder, Ralph R., Co. E, Bradley, 111. 

Lovett, James D., Co. C, 212 S. Lead Ave., Deming, N. M. 
Low, Frederick V., Co. C, 259 Iglehart Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 
Luce, Robert W., Co. E, 60 Catherine St., Stratford, Conn. 
Lummus, Franklin H., Co. E, 26 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 
Lungren, Charles H., Co. B, 230 Rutgers Ave., Swarthmore, Pa. 
Luse, William J., Co. A, Greeley, Neb. 
Lustgarten, Jacob H., Co. D, 168 Lennox Ave., New York, N. Y. 



APPENDIX 265 

Lutz, Clarence J., Co. A, 62 Parksdale Terrace, Rochester, N, Y. 

Lynn, Henderson, Co. B, R. F. D. No. 1, Grindstone, Pa. 

Lyon, Charles D., Co. D, 1206 N. 21st St., Superior, Wis. 

Lyster, Roy E., Co. A, 1331 Prospect St., Indianapolis, Ind. 

MacBoyle, Clarence F., Co. E, 3433 Ridgeway St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

McCabe, Harry E., Co. B. 155 Audubon Arc, New York, N. Y. 

MaCallum, George E., Co. C, Council, Idaho. 

McCarthy, J. A., Co. D, 75 Judge St., Elmhurst, L. I., N. Y. 

McCauley, Thomas, Co. B, 2538 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

McClain, Gerald, Co. E, Shafter, Cal. 

McClung, George L., Co. A, 211 E. 6th St., Mt. Carmel, 111. 

McCooley, William J., Co. C, 3836 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

McCuliough, Hugh F., Co. B, 1040 Leavenworth St., San Francisco, Cal. 

McDonald, Edward E., Co. A, 7703 Westmoreland Ave., Swissvale, Pa. 

McDonald, Leo R., Co. C, 20 Rawstone Road, Roslindale, Boston, Mas9. 

McDonald, Howard A., Co. C, 906 E. 28th St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

McFetridge, William F., Co. E, Catasauqua, Pa. 

McGaffick, Edward F., Co. D, R. F. D. No. 1, Warren, Pa. 

McGavern, Joseph P. T., Co. D, 3 Callhahn Park, Rochester, N. Y. 

McGovern, Thomas J., Co. B, 914 Buttonwood St., Bethlehem, Pa. 

McGrath, William A., Co. A, 604 N. Monroe St., Streator, 111. 

McGraw, Eugene I., Co. B, 3981 Fruitville, Ave., Oakland, Cal. 

McGuire, Leo J., Co. C, 112 S. 9th St., Newark, N. J. 

Mclntire, Albert T., Co. D, 1040 Emerson St., Pasadena, Cal. 

Mcintosh, Robert R., Co. C, 96 Marshall St., Battle Creek, Mich. 

McKenzie, Floyd R., Co. E, Pinconning, Mich. 

McKinley, Charles T., Co. D, 1120 Banks Ave., Superior, Wis. 

McLeod, John, Co. E, Harlan, Ky. 

McMahon, Thomas J., Co. A, 9 LaFayette Ave., Ossining, N. Y. 

McMillan, Willis G., Co. E, 419 E. Church St., Santa Maria, Cal. 

McNerney, Charles H., Co. C, 4104 Aldrich Ave., S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

McSwain, Clarence, Co. A, Box 895, St. Augustine, Fla. 

McSwain, Norman, Co. B, 62 Union St., Bridgewater, Mass. 

Madden, Wayne H., Co. C, Rock Hill Furnace, Pa. 

Mahoney, John, Co. A, 115 W. Hugbett St., Iron Mountain, Mich. 

Mallett, Edward T., Co. A, R. F. D. 4, Veedersburg, Ind. 

Maloney, Louis B., Co. B, 375 Marilla St., Buffalo, N. Y. 

Marbut, Thomas F., Co. B, 3140 Harrison St., Kansas City, Mo. 

Marcello, Vincent, Co. E, 5th St., Ellwood City, Pa. 

Marcum, Lawrence E., Co. A, New Augusta, Ind. 

Marks, Alexander A., Co. D, 3619 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Marner, James M., Co. A, 110 Diamond St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Marr, Ralph C, Co. B, 3245 Irving Ave., S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Martinek, Louis, Co. C, New Hampton, la. 

Martinson, Victor F., Co. E, Winthrop, Minn. 

Mason, Charles E., Co. D, Metacon Ave., Warren, R. I. 

Max, Arthur C, Co. E, 526 S. Plane St., Burlington, la. 

Maxwell, John J., Co. C, Fairfax, Minn. 

Mayers, Victor A., Co. B, Brooklyn, N, Y. 

Mayo, Sheldon S., Co. B, 32 Granite St., Glocester, Mass. 

Meador, Harry W., Co. D, Norton, Va. 

Meagher, Thomas F., Co. D, Grindstone, Pa. 

Meegan, John B., Co. E, 81 Highland Ave., Naugatuck, Conn. 

Meek, James L., Co. B, Orient, S. D. 

Meissner, George F. W., Co. B, 116 E. Polk St., Corona, L. I., N. Y. 

Melby, Sam, Co. D, R. R. 1, Bowlus, Minn. 

Michaels, Henry, Co. A, 1893 Vyse Ave., Bronx, N. Y. 

Michaud, Sidney A., Co. E, White Bear Lake, Minn. 

Michels, James P., Co. B, 1901 Division St., Oregon City, Ore. 

Miller, Thomas L., Co. B, Bostwick Hotel, Tacoma, Wash. 

Miller, Robert B., Co. B, 115 Crystal St.. Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Miller, Jesse J., Co. B, Hodgeville, Ky. 

Miller, Francis A., Co. B, South Heart, N. D. 

Miller, Joseph S., Co. C, 229 Hoffman Ave., Oil City, Pa. 

Miller, Gustavus S., Co. C, 2609 M. St., Sacramento, Cal. 

Miller, Henry E., Co. D, Washington, D. C. 



266 APPENDIX 

Miller, Clarence D., Co. E, LaPorte City, la. 

Miller, Bert T., Co. E, 401 Park Ave., Bimidji, Minn, 

Miller, Alfred R., Co. A, 913 Center St., Easton, Pa. 

Milliron, Milton E., Co. A Falls Creek, Pa. 

Mills, Chester A., Co. D, R. F. D. 6, Fowler, Ind. 

Mincer, Andrew W., Co. A, R. F. D. 1, Mars, Pa. 

Mishler, Hubert E., Co. A. 109 E. Monroe St., Goshen, Ind. 

Miskowitz, Julius, Co. D, 616 Garrett St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Mitchell, William J., Co. D, 10 Rodman St., Fair Haven, Mass. 

Mitchell, Albert E., Co. E, 20 State St., Greenville, Pa. 

Mitra, Dhirendranath, Co. A, 39 E. 31st St., New York, N. Y. 

Mizner, Ralph A., Co. E, Wheatland, Pa. 

Monseth, Sigurd O., Co. E, 2939 N. Colfax St., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Moon, Ralph J., Co. B, Yankton, S. D. 

Moore, William, Co. D, East Portland, Me. 

Moorhouse, Ralph H., Co. E, 48 Marlin St., Canton, 111. 

Morann, William E., Co. B, 109 Hazel St., New Haven, Conn. 

Morgan, John V., Co. B, Boise, Idaho. 

Morgan, Dewey, Co. E, P. O. Box 411, Blytheville, Ark. 

Morris, Leo V., Co. D, R. R. 10, Perry, Idaho. 

Morrison, Eugene F., Co. D, Williams, Ore. 

Mortimore, Roy H., Co. B, Riverton, Iowa. 

Morton, Roy J., Co. C, Jacksonville, N. C. 

Moseley, Edward H., Co. C, 25 Briggs St., Salem, Mass. 

Moxon, Everett W., Co. B, 1010 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, Mass. 

Muhlig, Carl T., Co. C, 1009 5th Ave., N., Great Falls, Mont. 

Mullavey, William J., Co. A, Redstone, N. H. 

Mulligan, Vincent M., Co. E, 15 E. 3rd St., S. Bethlehem, Pa. 

Munyon, Herbert C, 5218 Knox St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Murphy, Frank P., Co. E, Bartlett, N. H. 

Murray, Melvin, Co. D, 69 S. 11th St., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Murray, John W., Co. B, Galesburg, 111. 

Myers, Walter E., Co. E, 1020 9th St., Washington, D. C. 

Nadeau, Arthur L., Co. C, Jefferson, Mass. 

Napier, Elhannan, Co. E, Hazard, Ky. 

Nave, Floyd, Co. B, 610 8th St., Lewiston, Idaho. 

Neben, Harry W., Co. E, 358 Water St., Clinton, Mass. 

Neblett, Donald E., Co. A, South Hill, Va. 

Neff, Harold E., Co. D, 2nd and Market Sts., Sunburg, Pa. 

Nelson, Anton, Co. A, 1427 Pine Ave., Rocky Ford, Colo. 

Nelson, George H., Co. B, Care George H. Nelson, Minneapolis, Minn. 

Nelson, Carl J., Co. B, 2713 B. Franklin, Minneapolis, Minn. 

Nelson, David T., Co. C, 2302 7th St., N. E., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Nelson, Alfred H., Co. C, 138 Kennelworth Ave., Elmshurst, 111. 

Niewoeher, Leo, Co. A, 7801 Penn. Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 

Nigro, Angelo D., Co. E. 

Norton, Walter H., Co. D, 6952 Normal Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Noska, Clarence E., Co. D, 3211 Park Ave., New York, N. Y. 

Null, Clyde R., Co. B, 227 5th St., Jeanette, Pa. 

Nyberg, Lloyd E., Co. D, 1704 E. 5th St., Duluth, Minn. 

Oakley, Harold F., Co. A, 436 Bunnel St., Bridgeport, Conn. 

Oberst, Charles, Co. C, 80 Beverly St., Newark, N. J. 

O'Boyle, James, Co. D, 435 Ohio Ave., Wheeling, W. Va. 

O'Brien, John E., Co. C, 47 Main St., Appanaugh, R. I. 

O'Dea, Francis, Co. D, 735 High St., Williamsport, Pa. 

Oelze, August H., Co. A, 54 Ravine Ave., Jersey City, N. J. 

Oerding, Harry H., Co. B, Coquille, Ore. 

Oetjen, Doughty C, Co. E, 210 Broad St., Augusta, Ga. 

Oehler, Carl F., Co. D, Wellmas, Minn. 

Ollstedt, Fred T., Co. A, 855 Barry Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Olson, Alvin G., Co. A, 1213 4th Ave., N. Fargo, N. D. 

Olson, Charles E., Co. D, 2616 Pills'bury Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Oman, Walter C, Co. E, 316 20th Ave., S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Oppenheimer, Henry A., Co. A, 321 W. Grace St., Richmond, Va. 

Oetgen, H. H., Co. A, R. R. No. 3, Beardstown, 111. 

Orcutt, Willard E., Co. A, 1712 Rebecca St., Sioux City, la. 



APPENDIX 267 

Osback, Carl W., Co. A, 546 Park Place, Lyndhurst, N. J. 

Ost, Stanley G., Co. A, 316 W. 65th St., New York, N. Y. 

Overdorf, Jay P., Co. E, 731 Napoleon, Johnstown, Pa. 

Oxenford, Bishop A., Co. A, 2 Graham Ave., Metuchen, N. J. 

Paige, Frank L., Co. C, Modesto, Cal. 

Palange, Henry O., Co. A, 212 York St., Jersey City, N. J. 

Palmer, Chester, Co. C, Merridian, Idaho. 

Paolucci, Guiseppe, Co. B, Box P, Midland, W. Va. 

Parker, Harry R., Co. C, 6322 Colby St., Oakland, Cal. 

Parker, Walker L., Co. D, 250 W. Broad St., Burlington, N. J. 

Parker, Walter A., Co. B, Hills'boro, N. D. 

Parker, William S., Co. B, 863 36th St., Oakland, Cal. 

Parks, Fred R., Co. C, 1222 S. Cotton Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Parsons, Walter E., Co. D, 3860 Walls Road, Baltimore, Md, 

Parsons', Orin, Co. B, 214 Nauticoke St., Union, N. Y. 

Patrick, Samuel L., Co. C, 25 Moultrie St., Charleston, S. C. 

Patrick, Walden W., Co. A, 78 Chestnut St., Dubuque, Iowa. 

Patterson, John L., Co. C, Swarthmore, Pa. 

Paul, Robert E., Co. Hdq., 953 Teuton Ave., New York, N. Y. 

Paul, Edward O., Co. B, 33 Portland Ave., Payton, Ohio. 

Paxton, Carl D., Co. B, Hassan, Okanogan Co., Wash. 

Pearce, Albert, Co. A, 250 Buena Vista, Highland Park, Mich. 

Peattie, Roderick, Co. D, 17 W. 9th St., New York, N. Y. 

Peck, Dewey C, Co. A, Dorance, Kans. 

Pellorin, Arthur, Co. D, 110 Concord St., Manchester, N. H. 

Pelton, Charles W., Co. D, 50 Granite St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Penn, Thomas J., Co. C, Abingdon, Va. 

Perry, Jacob W., Co. D, 651 2nd St., N. E., Washington, D. C. 

Peter, Edwin G., Co. B, Box 238 Castleton, N. Y. 

Peterman, Enos E., Co. B, Leola, S. D. 

Peters, Cecil M., Co. A, E. Roaford, Va. 

Peters, Earl W., Co. D, Egypt, Pa. 

Peterson, Clarence W., Co. E, 2420 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Peterson, John M., Co. C, Terraville, S. D. 

Peterson, Fred E., Co. B, Laramie, Wyo. 

Pettee, Allen D., Co. B, 7215 Cresham Road, Mt. Amy, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Pettit, Donald F., Co. A, 3212 Federal St., Camden, N. J. 

Pfennig, Clair M., Co. D, 129 Meador St., Bristol, Conn. 

Pfiffner. Clarence F., Co. E, 1920 Jackson St., Dubuque, la. 

Philip, Otto C, Co. D, 53 Herkemer Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Phillips, Robert G., Co. A, Robinsville, N. C. 

Phillips, Carl H., Co. A, Mescalero, N. M. 

Phillips, Harry T., Co. C, 223 26th St., Lewiston, Idaho. 

Pierce, Harold J., Co. E, 614 Ackerman Ave., Syracuse, N. Y. 

Pierce, James M , Co. E, Descoll, Va. 

Pierce, Clarence E., Co. D, 54 Forsyth Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Pierce, James F., Co. B, 436 Morris Ave., Elizabeth, N. J. 

Pipes, Austice J., Co. A, Petersburg, Ind. 

Pitts', Charles, Co. A, Bridgeport, Conn. 

Placzek, Joseph J., Co. A, Lesterville, S. D. 

Plumb. John H., Co. C, 427 Church St., N. Adams, Mass. 

Pollock, Robert A., Co. E, 3831 W. VanBuren St., Chicago, 111. 

Potter, William W., Co. Hdq., P. O. Box 13, Farmington, Mich. 

Powell, Elwood L., Co. A, 2549 W. Cumberland St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Powell, James R., Co. A, R. F. D. 2, Clinton, N. C. 

Pribyl, James W., Co. A, 1621 S. Harding Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Price, Reed L., Co. D, 68 Pastorius St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Price, David A., Co. C, 1920 Penn. St., Huntington, Pa. 

Preston, Leonard C, Co. B, Dryad, Wash. 

Pruchnicki, William T., Co. A, 183 N. Hohman St., Hammond, Ind. 

Prevedoros, Gust J., Co. B, 529 N. Clark St., Chicago, 111. 

Putnam, Guy D., Co. A, Front Royal, Va. 

Quinn, Martin F., Co. E, Thomson, N. Y. 

Radcliffe, John N., Co. A, Box 114 W. Elizabeth, Pa. 

Raley, Edward C, Co. D, 806 "O" St., N. W., Washington, D. C. 

Ranallo, Pietro, Co. D, 854 Farquer St., Chicago, 111. 



268 APPENDIX 

Randolph, Fred A., Co. D, Reedsville, Pa. 

Ransom, Charles J., Co. E, 264 Cottage St., Kingston, Pa. 

Raquet, Borne, Co. D, Arcadia, Ind. 

Ratzel, Louis W,, Co. E, Brookline, Mass. 

Ratzlaff, Carl J., Co. B, Valley City, N. D. 

Raw, Eugene S., Co. B, 78 Chestnut St., Dubuque, Iowa. 

Ray, William L., Co. D, Franklinsville, Ind. 

Raymond, Clare A., Co. C, University Place, Neb. 

Reed, George H., Co. E, R. R. 3, Box 123 Jasper, Okla. 

Reed, Walter, Co. A, 380 N. Main St., Old Town, Me. 

Regan, Clinton W., Co. A, Yorkville, 111. 

Reibly, John H., Co. A, 85 Ridgeview, Pern, Ind. 

Repine, David C, Co. A, 226 17th St., Sharpsburg, Pa. 

Reynolds, William B., Co. A, Weiser, Idaho. 

Rhodes, Benjamin L.., Co. E, Stokes, S. C. 

Richards, George D., Co. E, 1211 N. Alden St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Richards, Harold M., Co. E, 1238 Neil Ave., Columbus, Ohio. 

Richardson, James R., Co. A, Colgate, Okla. 

Rieger, Julius, Co. D, 1 Poland Court, Arlington, R. I. 

Riley, Vernon W., Co. A, 376 W. 41st Place, Los Angeles, Cal. 

Ring, William E., Co. B, Morris, Minn. 

Rinn, James P. Co. B, 75 Chamber St., Boston, Mass. 

Risk, Harold J., Co. B, Lisbon, N. D. 

Ritchings, Harold E., Co. E, 80 Alexander St., Newark, N. J. 

Ritzman, George D., Co. E, 112 S. 1st St., Shamokin, Pa. 

Rizzi, Michael, Co. E, 743 DeHaven St., Chicago, 111. 

Robb, James M., Co. C, Sheyney, Del. Co., Pa. 

Robba, Giovanni, Co. A, 426 W. 45th St., New York, N. Y. 

Roberson, Charles S., Co. A, 1220 Porter St., Richmond, Va. 

Roberts, Harvey W., Co. D, 1019 Steuben St., Utica, N. Y. 

Roberts, George H., Co. B, 60 Sherbourne Ave., Portsmouth, N. H. 

Robinson, James W., Co. D, 516 16th Ave., McKeesport, Pa. 

Robinson, William R., Co. A, Dickson, Tenn. 

Rock, William, Co. C, 397 Edmund St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Roddy, Ernest M., Co. B, Catawba, S. C. 

Roe, Kenneth C, Co. E, 601 N. Kansas Ave., Marceline, Mo. 

Roethler, Herbert M., Co. E, Ionia, Iowa. 

Rogers, Jamea H., Co. D, 22 Meade St., Orange, N. J. 

Rogers, Marcus J., Co. A, 849 Fairmount Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 

Rohrbach, Harry L., Co. A, 1441 Turner St., Ft. Wayne, Ind. 

Rose, Ronald F., Co. C, 1806^ State St., Boise, Idaho. 

Rose, Edmund G., Co. A, R. F. D. 1, New Iberia, La. 

Ross, John H., Co. Hdq., 29 Hunt St., Newton, Mass. 

Rossean, William H., Co. B, Hamburg, Iowa. 

Rowe, Cecil V., Co. B, 130 N. Main St., Towanda, Pa. 

Rowe, Elmer E., Co. B, 6 Fair St., Oneanta, N. Y. 

Rowland, Emoys, Co. E, McKees Rocks, Pa. 

Rowland, Joseph R., Co. A, 34 E. 15th St., New York, N. Y. 

Royer, Leo, Co. A, R. 6, Memphis, Mo. 

Rucker, Arthur D., Co. A, 108 E. Franklin St., Richmond, Va. 

Ruffner, Charles W., Co. A, 1662 Broadway, Buffalo, N. Y. 

Ruh, Edward C, Co. Hdq., 133 Lynch St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Russell, Raymond H., Co. B, Marionville, Mo. 

Russo, Tony, Co. D, 10 Navy St., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Ryan, Edward J., Co. C, 15 Wyman St., Worcester, Mass. 

Ryan, John A., Co. B, 240 Garden St., San Antonio, Texas. 

Salmon, Edward J., Co. C, Mahoney City, Pa. 

Sampson, Samuel, Co. B, 142 W. 118th St., New York, N. Y. 

Sanborn, Robert H., Co. B, 407 Gaylord Ave., Ludington, Mich. 

Santens, John, Co. D, 609 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Saunders, Samuel E., Co. D, Roseland, Va. 

Saurman, Malcolm L., Co. E, 21 Berwich Road, Medford, Mass. 

Sawyer, George H., Co. E, 46 Halleck St., Newark, N. J. 

Sayler, Charlie F., Co. C, Dixie, Wash. 

Schaefer, Charles E., Co. E, 2119 Loth St., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Schatz, John H., Co. D, 1621 Barth St., Indianapolis, Ind. 



APPENDIX 269 

Scherer, Joseph G., Co. B, 61 Manton St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Schies, Timothy L., Co. B, Juan de Fuca, Wash. 

Schinder, Feador, Co. D, Camp 2, Carney's Pt., N. J. 

Schlauch, Rowland G., Co. Hdq., 1541% Tilghman St., Allentown, Pa. 

Schmenkel, Harry, Co. D, 3129 W. 61st St., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Schmidt, Ivan F., Co. A, 111 14th St., Milwaukee, Wis. 

Schmidt, Walter J., Co. E, 1901 S. 15th St., Burlington, Iowa. 

Schoeh, Edward R., Co. A, 4201 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Schramm, Walter H., Co. B, 150 Flood St., Pittsburg, Pa. 

Schreiber, William F., Co. D, Moore St., Hubbard, Ohio. 

Schrepfer, Edward, Co. A, 6055 Rienbars St., Philadelphia, Pa, 

Schroeder, Bert, Co. C, Cottonwood, Idaho. 

Schroeder, Henry J., Co. D, 2401 Cole Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Schuler, Roland P., Co. D, 315 Church St., Kingston, Pa, 

Schulten, William J., Co. D, 529 N. Rodney St., Helena, Mont. 

Schultz, Fred E., Co. E, 2517 James Ave., N., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Schumann, Joseph P., Co. E, Towanda, Pa. 

Schwarm, Harold C, Co. E, 404 Gaston Ave., Farmont, W. Va. 

Scott, William G., Co. A, Castle- Shannon, Pa. 

Scott, Thomas D., Co. A, Fresno, Cal. 

Scott, Alexander, Co. E, Lonaconing, Md. 

Seitz, Harry, Co. Hdq., Glen Rock, Pa. 

Selby, John D., Co. D, R. F. D., Boise, Idaho. 

Seward, Walter A., Co. B, 874 Phalen Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 

Seyter, Oscar, Co. D, 77 Garden~St., Newark, N. J. 

Shaffer, Joe McI., Co. A, New Market, Va. 

Sharman, Thomas A., Co. B, 20 Bleeker St., Jersey City, N. J. 

Shattuck, Edward S., Co. B, 1251 St. Andrews PI., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Shaw, Elmer V., Co. E, Decorah, Iowa. 

Shaw, Roscoe E., Co. A, Garrettsville, Ohio. 

Shearer, Elmer J., Co. E, 234th Ave., L. S., St. Paul, Minn. 

Shelton, Andrew K., Co. E, 1207 5th Ave., Huntington, W. Va. 

Sheeran, Lloyd G., Co. E, 210 North 4th St., Boise, Idaho. 

Sheets, Howard W., Co. D, 521 High St., Williamsport, Va. 

Sheridan, William A., Co. A, North Side, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Shields, Frederick H., Co. D, Daniel, Wyo. 

Shine, Manning T., Co. D, Fulton, Ala. 

Shissler, James H., Co. D, 244 Spruce St., SunLurg, Pa. 

Shoemaker, Walter E., Co. A, 1136 Washington St., Freeland, Pa. 

Shope, Henry A., Co. C, 611 Ann St., Homestead, Pa. 

Shriner, Walter R., Co. A, 1236 Oliver Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 

Shumaker, Knight, Co. A, Pembina N. D. 

Sibbald, Charles T. A., Co., C, 769 3rd Ave., Troy, N. Y. 

Sibbald, Raymond L., Co. C, 553 Hoosick St., Troy, N. Y. 

Sidenstricker, Ernest, Co. D, Jacksonville, Ohio. 

Siens, Walter R., Co. D, Thief River Falls, Minn. 

Silverstine, Isadora, Co. B, 948 Union Ave., New York, N. Y. 

Simmons, Charles L., Co. C, Rexburg, Idaho. 

Simond, Maurice H., Co. A, 28 Pearl St., Franklin, N. H. 

Simonds, Frank G., Co. D, 7818 Laumer Ave., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Simons, Sprague T., Co. B, Missoula, Mont. 

Simpson, Carl A., Co. E, 2517 11th Ave., S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Sinclair, Earl T., Co. C, 801 S. 1st St., Stillwater, Minn. 

Skelly, John J. Jr., Co. A, 49 8th Ave., New York, N. Y. 

Skooglum, Oscar, Co. C, 750 Maryland Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 

Slade, Wesley L., Co. B, Pikesville, Md. 

Slaughter, Joseph L., Co. E, Minburn, Iowa. 

Smentkowski, Florian A., Co. A, 3220 Laelede Road, Maplewood, Mo. 

Smith, Bert L., Co. D, Sharpesville, Pa. 

Smith, Hugh C, Co. D, 35 Hazel St., earning, N. Y. 

Smith, Lud L., Co. A, Utica, Ohio. 

Smith, Leroy, Co. A, 1859 Hamilton Blvd., Detroit, Mich. 

Smith, Henry P., Co. A, 8 Nye St., Rockville, Conn. 

Smith, Edward J., Co. B, 32 W. Fulton St., Columbus, Ohio. 

Smith Charles R.. Co. B, 814 Minor Ave., Seattle, Wash. 

Smith, William M., Co. C, 965 Fremont St., St. Paul, Minn. 



270 APPENDIX 

Smith, Ralph E., Co. C, 606 Beachly Ave., Meyersdale, Pa. 

Smith, Louis B., Co. C, 483 Delaware Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Smulowitz, Sol, Co. B, 1969 1st Ave., New York, N. Y. 

Snell, Arthur H., Co. B, 1110 Hamilton St., Houston, Texas. 

Sniker, Leonard W., Co. B, 728 Plum St., St. Paul, Minn. 

Snyder, Glenn G., Co. D, 20 Holiday St.. Oil City, Pa. 

Soderstrom, Edward J., Co. D, 1224 N, Parkside Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Sopezak, Maciej, Co. B, 1253 Nagel St., Hamstramah, Mich. 

Souter, Amonett B., Co. E, Magnolia, Ark. 

Spaett, Morris, Co. D, 1222 Boynton Ave., Bronx, N. Y. 

Speights, Carroll, Co. A, 2705 E. Clay St., Richmond, Va. 

Spurr, Edward B., Co. D, 1755 Park Road, Washington, D. C. 

Stablein, William A., Co. B, Alexandria, Md. 

Stacey, Edwin R., Co. B, Jamaica, L. I., N. Y. 

Stanwood, Byron J., Co. B, Gooding, Idaho. 

Starcher, Alonzo, Co. C, Murray City, Ohio. 

Stebbins, Frank R., Co. B, 2026 G St., Lewiston, Idaho. 

Steele, William F., Co. E, 455 Hayes St., San Francisco, Cal. 

Steffen, Earnest W., Co. E, Grundy Center, la. 

Steinhagen, Rudolph A., Co. D, 2725 State St., Milwaukee, Wis. 

Stemple, Humbert S., Co. E, Meatsville, W. Va. 

Stensnes, Carl O., Co. A, Buffalo Center, Iowa. 

Stephons, Isaac G., Co. A, 416 E. Hugbort St., Norman, Okla. 

Stern, Arthur B., Co. D, 4535 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Stevens, William H., Co. D, 1107 Elm St., Decatur, Ind. 

Stevens, John F., Jr., Co. A, 101 W. 11th St., New York, N. Y. 

Stevenson, Robert G., Co. E, 2120 Union St., Brunswick, Ga. 

Stickney, Bernard J., Co. E, 329 9th St., S., Virginia, Minn. 

Stillman, Horace B., Co. E, 137 Grant St., Atlanta, Ga. 

Stimson, Roger C, Co. A, Gorham, Me. 

Stock, Victor J., Co. A, 706 S. 10th St., St. Joseph, Me. 

Stoeffler, Frederick, Co. B, 24 Fenhurs't PI., Richmond, N. Y. 

Stokley, John M., Co. D, 4051 Aspen St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Stone, Walter E., Co. C, 100 Chestnut St., Kearney, N. J. 

Stone, Ransom, Co. C, 1304 Richardson St., Port Huron, Mich. 

Stone, James A., Co. D, Dallas, Texas. 

Stockey, Emmons B., Co. C, Bonners Ferry, Idaho. 

Storm, William W., Jr., Co. A, 528 W. 23rd St., Oklahoma City, Okla. 

Strane, Archie A., Co. B, Marion, la. 

Streed, Hilding A., Co. B, 209 McKee St., Batavia, 111. 

Strickland, Chas. H., Co. D, 167 W. 231st St., New York, N. Y. 

Strickland, Charles H., Co. C, Kettrell, N. C. 

Strimling, Louis, Co. B, 94 Highland Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Sullivan, Phillip, Co. D, 14 W. Quartz St., Butte, Mont. 

Sullivan, Carlton E., Co. A, Nina, Nevada. 

Sullivan, Daniel C, Co. C, Stillwater, Minn. 

Swain, James O., Co. B, Lizton, Ind. 

Swienkoski, Adam, Co. D, E. Winona, 111. 

Swink, Howard H., Co. A, Franklin, Ohio, 

Sykes, Arthur, Co. C, Uxbridge, Mass. 

Tabor, William H., Co. B, Clermont, Fla. 

Tait, Paul M., Co. D, Billings', Mont. 

Talbot, William H., Co. C, 19 Orchard Place, Greenwich, Conn. 

Talbot, Larcy W., Co. A, 36 Catherine St., Elizabeth, N. J. 

Tank, Charles W., Co. D, 3102 N. Spalding Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Tarr, Russell S., Co. D, The Knoll, Ithica, N. Y. 

Taylor, William F., Co. C, 2806 Ashland Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 

Taylor, Everett A., Co. B, Sutton, Neb. 

Taylor, Edwin J., Co. Hdq., Mt. Sterling, Pa. 

Terhume, Chester B., Co. B, Petersburg, 111. 

Terry, Elmer L., Co. C, Plainfield, N. J. 

Terrell, Fred W., Co. B, Poison, Mont. 

Teter, Eldon H., Co. B. 504 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven, Pa. 

Thayer, Charles P., Co. E, North Charlestown, New Hampshire. 

Thomas, Willis, Co. C, Callup, New Mexico. 

Thomas, Elsa J.. Co. B, R. R. No. 1, Payette, Idaho. 



APPENDIX 271 

Thompson, Lester S., Co. E, 251 E. Kingsbridge, New York, N. Y, 

Thompson, Roy W., Co. E, Monroe, La. 

Thompson, William J., Co. C, 47 Main St., Quincy, Mass. 

Thompson, Harry F., Co. B, Beaver, Pa. 

Thome, Olaf, Co. B, Litchfield, Minn. 

Thrall, Frederick E., Co. A, R. F. D. No .3, Rockwell, Conn. 

Timmons, Grant E., Co. A, 1135 Creve Court, La Salle, 111. 

Tonsor, Joe R., Co. E. 

Torgerson, Stanley A., Co. C, Hawley, Minn. 

Tortorici, Benedetto, Co. A, 323 E. 60th St., New York, N. Y. 

Trabold, Edmund H., Co. A, 7 N. Jefferson St., Orange, N. J. 

Tracy, Raymond E., Co. B, 504 7th Ave. S., Jamestown, N. D. 

Treanor, Leo M., Co. C, St. Paul, Minn. 

Trimble, Chester B., Co. C, 237 S. Ridge Ave., Idaho Falls, Idaho. 

Trimble, Lowell D., Co. C, 237 So. Ridge Ave., Idaho Falls, Idaho. 

Trimble, William A., Co. B, 2407 N. 30th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Tucknor, John H., Co. C, So. Ft. George, British Columbia, Canada. 

Turner, Leo E., Co. A, 108 E. Franklin St., Richmond, Va. 

Turner, Isaac A., Co. E, 217 Genesse St., Auburn, N. Y. 

Tygrette, Barney, Co. D, Kingston, W. Va. 

TJitendaal, Leonardus, Co. A, 37 Kearney St., Patterson, N. J. 

Unsicker, Paul J., Co. B, 2863 Benninghofen Ave., Hamilton, Ohio. 

Vaeth, Jacob, Co. E, 46 19th Ave., Newark, N. J. 

Van der Horck, Max P., Co. C, 3040 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Vanderbosch, Edward F., Co. A, 921 14th St., South Bend, Ind. 

Vane, Harold P., Co. C, 129 Austin St., Worcester, Mass. 

Van Houte, Henry, Co. Hdq., Big Timber, Mont. 

Van Name, William M., Co. E, 92 Merserau Ave., Staten Island, N. Y. 

Van Zandt, Charles R., Co. A, 1023 3rd Ave., Longmont, Colo. 

Vanchelet, Laurie J., Co. C, 605 N. Mo. St., Roswell, N. M. 

Vaughn, John N., Co. A. 

Voil, Charles F., Co. C, R. F. D. No. 7, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Vincent, John V., Co. C, 431 Cedar St., Manistee, Mich. 

Voleske, Michael, Co. D, 9923 Reno, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Vo9bury, Clinton T., Co. E, 129 Walnut St., Haddenfield, N. J. 

Walker, Harlan A., Co. B, 673 S. 13th St., East, Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Walker, Robert H., Co. A, Stevensville, Pa. 

Wallace, Abram M. A., Co. A, 169 Manhattan Ave., New York, N. Y. 

Wallace, James, Co. A, Westwood, Cal. 

Wallace, Samuel A., Co. D, 1419 Hollywood Ave., Chicago, III. 

Wallach, Joseph G., Co. D, New York, N. Y. 

Wallar, Henry W., Co. C, 2727 Dupont Ave., S., Minneapolis, Minn. 

Wal9h, Edward A., Co. A, 325 W. 15th St., New York, N. Y. 

Walsh, Milton J., Co. C, 44 Maple St., Oneonta, N. Y. 

Wambheim, Dennis Co. C, Hatton, N. D. 

Wanzer, Horace B., Co. A, 2323 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, Cal. 

Warde, Walter H., Co. C, 279 Chestnut St., East Lynn, Mass, 

Wardrope, Robert H., Co. A, 81 Como Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. 

Warner, Stanley L., Co. B, Utica, Ohio. 

Waara, Elliel A., Co. E, Hancock, Mich. 

Waterfield, John R., Co. A, 101 W. 11th St.. New York, N. Y. 

Waters, Louis H., Co. C, 718 Lincoln Ave., E., Las Vegas, N. M. 

Waters, Gilbert C, Jr., Co. B, 15 Werner Park, Rochester, N. Y. 

Watkins, Joseph S., Co. B, Troutville, Va. 

Watson, Robert H., Co. B, 44 Hancock St., Pawtucket, R. I. 

Wattenburg, J., Co. D, 960 Prospect St., Bronx, N. Y. 

Watt, John U., Co. A, 266 Ralph Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Watts, Carl, Co. E, 1522 Winifield St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Weaver, Samuel A., Co. B, 1414 11th St., N. W., Washington, D. C. 

Webb, Percy G., Co. C, Big Timber, Mont. 

Webster, Leslie J., Co. B, 43 Conkey Ave., Rochester, N. Y. 

Wedmore, Dave, Co. D, 409 E. Charles St., Muncie, Ind. 

Weeks, Frank E., Co. D, 7228 39th Ave. S. W., Seattle Wash. 

Weeks, William A., Co. D, 1106 Orchard St., Peekskill, N. Y. 

Weigle, Carl J., Co. E, 1461 Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, Cal. 

Weinslein, Jacob, Co. E. 



272 APPENDIX 

Weir, William J., Co. A, St. Augustine, Fla. 

Weiss, Pierre, Co. D, 5036 44th Ave., S., Seattle, Wash. 

Welch, Joseph E., Co. D, 1341 3rd St., McDonaldton, Pa. 

Weller, Dewey L., Co. A, 1618 W. 2nd St., Marion, Ind. 

Wellman, Robert L., Co. D, 569 Jefferson Ave., Elizabeth, N. J. 

West, Charles E., Co. C, Mankato, Minn. 

Wheeler, Frank L., Co. B, Scotland, S. D. 

Wheeler, Lloyd G., Co. A, 1436 E. King St., York, Pa. 

White, Judd E., Co. D, Dodge City, Kans. 

White, James G., Co. C, Vacaville, Cal. 

White, Samuel O., Co. C, Eustis, Me. 

Whittington, Wesley C, Co. A, 123 W. Moriva St., Sea Isle City, N. J. 

Wible, William C. Co. A, 818 Oakton St., Evanston, 111. 

Wick, Samuel E., Co. D, 90 Eastvirood Place, Buffalo, N. Y. 

Wicks, Sanford P., Co. B, 88 Westervelt Ave., New Brighton, L. I. N. Y. 

Wilcox, Fred B., Co. C, Paris'hville, N. Y. 

Wilde, Clements, Co. A, 116 E. 29th St., New York, N. Y. 

Wilkinson, Harold E., Co. E, 512 Airbrake Ave., Wilmerding, Pa. 

Willard, James E., Jr., Co. A, 700 Morgan St., Knoxville, Tenn, 

Willett, Thomas, Co. E, 36 Main St., Chippewa Falls, Wis. 

Williams, Floria, Co. C, 1932 Vz Parker St., Berkeley, Cal. 

Williams, Luther F., Co. B, 309 Howard Ave., Piedmont, Cal. 

Williams, Walter C, Co. A, Laurinburg, N. C . 

Williams, Harry, Co. E, Goshen, Ohio. 

Willoughby, Bon L., Co. C, 209 Bank St., Dayton, Ohio. 

Wilson, Charles A., Co. B, 509 53rd Ave., Duluth, Minn. 

Wilson, Robert H., Co. B, Filer, Idaho. 

Wilson, Leon H., Co. A, Duning, Nevada. 

Wilson, Ellis B., Co. B, 140 Kent St., Hartford, Conn. 

Wilson, John T., Co. D, Catherine St., McKees Rocks, Pa. 

Withes, Warren, Co. B, 1280 Raymond Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 

Witt, Robert H., Co. A, Witt P. O., Va. 

Witt, Harry M., Co. A, 304 S. Laurel St., Richmond, Va. 

Wolcott, Harry, Co. B, 1339 24th St., Des Moines, la. 

Wolff, Isadore M., Co. A, 49 Hamburg Ave., Patterson, N. J. 

Wolff, Alfred, Co. D, 235 Puritan Ave., Highland Park, Detroit, Mich. 

Wolfinger, Oliver R., Co. C, 6021 12th Ave., N. E., Seattle, Wash. 

Wolcott, Luther A., Co. C, 125 Grand River St., Detroit, Mich. 

Wood, Paul L., Co. B, 49 Dawes St., Springfield, Mass. 

Wood, Wright H., Co. D, American Hotel, E. Main St., Ilion, N. Y. 

Woodford, John F., Co. B, Morrowville, Mo. 

Woodles, Harry S., Co. E, Stockton, Cal. 

Woodruff, John W., Co. E, 1004 Mills St., Kalamazoo, Mich. 

Wratten, Henry J., Co. A, 1436 Park Ave., Racine, Wis. 

Wright, Dupont, Co. A, Goggansville, Ga. 

Wright, Henry H., Co. A, 325 Mt. View St., Pasadena, Cal. 

Wunsch, Edmund G., Co. B, 310 Montana Ave., Morris, Minn. 

Wyman, George L., Co. C, Big Piney, Wyo. 

Wynkoop, Mark P., Co. C, 614 3rd St., Bismarck, N. D. 

Yates, Eugene P., Co. A, Box 304, Concord, N. C. 

Yeager, James" J., Co. C, 88 Jackson St., Trenton, N. J. 

Yellott, Frederick M., Co. C, Reisterstown, Md. 

Youch, George M., Co. D, 704 S. Wilbur St., Sayre, Pa. 

Young, Park E., Co. D, Sherman, N. Y. 

Zartman, Wesley S., Co. C, 17 N. Anthracite St., Shamokin, Pa. 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper pn 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxid' 
Treatment Date: .„ oQQ 

PreservationTechnolo 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERV 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 

Or-inKorn/ Tr«iun<;hin PA 1606 



